The “Six W’s” OF Using Ergonomics Analysis In Medical Causation Cases

The Causation Analysis is a method by which trained professionals may evaluate a job for actual or potential risk factors in contested workers’ compensation cases. Here are some fast facts about Causation Analysis:

WHAT IS THE CAUSATION ANALYSIS?

• An ergonomics assessment requested by an employer, an attorney, a physician, or a medical case manager.
• A tool combined with a physician examination of a worker claiming a work-related musculoskeletal disorder.
• A resource that confirms or rules out work as a causative agent in a worker’s condition. In cases in which job risk is not evident, the question of causation shifts onto any disease processes that may be making the worker more predisposed to development of a musculoskeletal disorder.

WHY USE ERGONOMICS ASSESSMENTS IN CAUSATION CASES?

• A growing body of empirical literature suggests that certain disease processes make a worker more predisposed to developing musculoskeletal disorders: arthritis, diabetes, hypothyroidism, obesity to name a few.

 WHEN SHOULD THE CAUSATION ANALYSIS BE DONE?

• When a worker claims a musculoskeletal disorder such as carpal tunnel syndrome, DeQuervains Disease, Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, neck or shoulder pain.
• Before the case is accepted as compensable by the employer.
• Before the worker is sent to the employer’s physician for evaluation.

 WHO CAN PERFORM ERGONOMICS ASSESSMENTS IN CAUSATION CASES?

• An Occupational or Physical Therapist certified in Ergonomics Assessment.

WHERE SHOULD THE CAUSATION ANALYSIS BE DONE?

• On the job site and preferably with the worker claiming the injury.

 HOW IS THE CAUSATION ANALYSIS DONE?

• Analyst interviews the supervisor to collect information on the job purpose and essential functions.
• Analyst interviews the worker/claimant to take a history of the condition and present symptoms.
• Analyst observes the worker/claimant performing the job and this includes measuring and weighing items handled, forces and/or vibration required in tool use or moving objects, videotaping, and taking still photographs.
• Analyst views the video and filters the data through ergonomics risk assessment tools.
• Analyst completes a report and sends it to the physician reviewing the case to supplement their examination.

For more information on The Use of Ergonomics Assessments in Medical Causation Cases, click HERE.