A Physical Demands Analysis (PDA) is a systematic procedure to quantify and evaluate the physical,
cognitive, and environmental demands of the essential and non-essential tasks of a job.
PDAs can have a variety of uses in the workplace. They can be used reactively for rehabilitation and
return to work purposes, and proactively to prevent injury.
For example, PDA's can be used to:
Communicate the requirements of a job to the WSIB and health care providers
Provide data for use in job matching and accommodation of injured workers
Clarify benefit entitlement
Identify suitable alternate work or modified work
Assist in identification of jobs, work processes, and equipment that require further ergonomic
analysis and intervention
Assist in identification and prioritization of safety concerns
Help discover ways to modify jobs and tasks
Provide information for hiring and training purposes
Firms may choose to complete PDAs for all jobs, or they may choose to complete them as required (for
example, after an injury has occurred). The format or PDA form used is up to the firm. It should be clear
and concise and ideally include photographs to provide a visual image for the user.
Firms may complete the PDA using the expertise and knowledge of their own staff including workers,
supervisors, and others. Alternatively, they may choose to seek the assistance of external parties. WSPS
can provide the necessary training to assist firms to complete their own PDAs. WSPS Consultants are
also available to complete PDAs for your company.
If compiling the necessary physical demands information after an injury has occurred, a firm may choose
to use the WSIB form – Physical Demands Information Form (PDIF). The PDIF requires information
on the physical requirements of the job related specifically to the injured body part.
No matter which method or form used, PDAs play an important role in returning injured workers back
to work.
PERFORMING A PHYSICAL DEMANDS ANALYSIS
WSPS.CA
