Millions of employees have been working remotely since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. While many of us have been enjoying an improved work-life balance, there have been downsides that have impeded the health of some workers. Employers need to inform employees about the dangers of spending hours sitting down in chairs which weren’t designed for prolonged use as this may lead to serious health complications. Employees also need to understand the benefits of moving around regularly and exercising. When remote employees return to the office, it’s important to remember that their physical strength and fitness may not be the same. Before you put them in physically demanding positions, you need to test if they will be able to handle the duties you want to assign to them. If these employees get injured, you may face workers’ compensation claims.
Testing Returning Remote Workers
In a bid to ensure workplace safety, returning remote workers need to undergo fit-for-duty testing.
The Physical Capacity Profile® (PCP) Testing System
can help your business put a safe return to work in place.
The Physical Capacity Profile (PCP) Testing System
The PCP testing system has undergone EEOC audits and is also ADA and HIPAA compliant.
How Does the PCP Test Work?
The testing system provides you with comprehensive test results in only a few minutes. You get notified when the report has been uploaded.
The comprehensive physical exam and medical review includes a variety of tests. The strength of the upper and lower extremities is measured, lumbar range of motion and the mobility of the lower extremities are tested. The PCP system also considers the employee’s greatest lifting capability. It highlights safe techniques for lifting, as well as a Spirometry test and fitness.
Benefits of Testing Returning Remote Workers
Testing remote workers with this system will reduce work-related injuries and improve workplace safety. You should have fewer workers’ compensation claims.
The company’s productivity will also increase if you place these employees in positions that they are capable of doing. Your business will save on medical costs.
Is it Legal?
According to the EEOC’s guidelines for employee selection procedures, it’s legal to do fitness for duty testing. Companies can’t discriminate against disabled workers who are qualified and capable of performing the job.
Health Issues Caused by Remote Working
Working from home has its own unique health challenges, but it’s essential that you encourage your employees to stay as healthy as possible.
- Strain to the neck, back and shoulder muscles from leaning forward too long to look at computer screens, tablets or smartphones. Headaches and muscle spasms are common symptoms, but in severe cases discs in the neck or back can even rapture.
- Working full time on a laptop causes your body to hunch forward and you don’t have proper support for your wrists. You can also end up with repetitive strain injuries in your fingers and hands.
- Desk workers sit still for too long and this has increased with remote working, as people are less inclined to move around. Your mental health can deteriorate and your brain actually works better when you’re moving around.
How To Avoid Health Issues
The following tips will help remote workers stay healthy:
- Make sure you have good back support and that your chair can adjust to the right height.
- Your chair must support your body weight so that all your weight is not resting on your spine.
- Move your shoulders and neck often to keep the blood flowing.
- Sit at a desk or table.
- Try to use a separate keyboard and mouse as this will help you keep your forearms horizontal.
- The top of the screen must be level with your eyes. You may need to use a laptop stand.
Encourage Your Employees To Stay Healthy
As the employer, you need to lead by example. Send your employees the message that activity is important. You can do this by showing senior leaders away from their desks, doing exercise and taking proper lunch breaks.
Encourage team building where people step away from their desk, such as walking challenges, and provide employees with exercise guides.
Final Thoughts
Encourage your remote employees to stay as fit and healthy as possible while they work from home. It will be easier for them to handle physically demanding positions when they return to the office.
