Job Task Analysis 
A Job Task Analysis is a detailed review of a specific job's functions and work environment. Physicians and employers frequently use task analysis reports and medical information to help determine whether the work and physical demands are the prevailing factor in the cause of an injury. However, in recent years, task analysis has been used by area employers for issues beyond just causation. BarnesCare clients have found the task analysis report a helpful tool for achieving the following objectives:

• Identifying essential functions of the job
• Developing a customized work screen for post-offer evaluations and fit-for-duty evaluations
• Identifying hazards and risk factors requiring interventions
• Making recommendations for ergonomic and engineering modifications to reduce loads, forces and improve productivity and quality
• Comparing data with existent medical, scientific and government standards to identify risk for the potential for a musculoskeletal injury or illness for workers' compensation claim defense
• Developing a transitional duty return-to-work program by incorporating the data from the analysis into a job database

Here's how the task analysis process works:

A BarnesCare ergonomic consultant observes the employee performing the actual work task in the natural workplace and collects detailed information by digital photography, written job descriptions, department logs, supervisor interviews, and patient reports. Ergonomic equipment such as a Chatillon gauge, hand dynamometer, goniometer, and sound and light meters are used to measure force, body postures and environmental factors required to perform the job.

Once all information is gathered, an impartial and scientific report is created. This report includes a detailed description of all job tasks and their associated risk factors. The description lists tasks performed, time spent on each, number of repetitions, amount of force required, body parts affected, duration and recovery time. All tasks are then analyzed for risk factors. Task risk factors may include repetition, force, awkward posture, vibration and environments. Task risk factors are then quantified by time exposure and work/rest cycles performing a particular task.
 
The written report with necessary video or photographs is sent to the physician, who evaluates the task analysis along with medical records to determine whether the work demands are the prevailing factor in the cause of the injury or condition.

Job Task Analysis FAQs