Disability Management	Disability Prevention
Compares the physical demands of a job as it is currently performed to a worker’s restrictions. If there is not a direct match, the worker is determined to be unable to perform the job or essential tasks that cannot be performed are downloaded onto another worker.	Compares the physical demands of the preinjury job to a worker’s restrictions. Where there is a barrier or mismatch, creative solutions are considered and the best one is implemented in order to remove the barrier(s) and allow full performance of the essential duties.

Determine Where PDD(s) Required

An important first step in your PDD program is determining which jobs require a PDD. If you are currently without any PDDs, you will require documentation for all jobs. In some cases you may have PDDs, but they are outdated, or you have new jobs that have yet to be documented. A review of all current jobs and PDDs on file should be conducted to identify gaps and create a list of jobs without up to date PDDs.

Considerations 

• All Current Jobs
• Existing PDDs
• Dates of Existing PDDs
• New Processes Since Last PDDs
• New Equipment or Tools Since Last PDDs
• New Jobs Since Last PDDs

Determine Who Needs to be Involved

Having all of the appropriate people involved is crucial to creating a collection of PDDs that are accurate and therefore useful. All individuals may not be involved in every step of the PDD process, but may be required for certain aspects such as verifying the essential tasks of

the job, data collection, or even providing job descriptions.

Common People Involved

• Workers Performing the Job
• Supervisors
• Managers
• HR
• Union
• JHSC
• Maintenance

Have All Necessary Equipment

In order to create accurate PDDs, certain equipment will be required in order to measure aspects of the work that is being observed. Whether it is measurement of working heights, or the weight of a load being lifted, there are common tools that should be available in order to collect accurate data for PDDs.

Have Trained Observer(s)

If the worker or consultant performing the observation and data collection isn’t a Canadian Certified Professional Ergonomist (CCPE), than he or she should have appropriate training in conducting PDDs. The training should include multiple elements such as task analysis, observation, measurement, data collection, photographing and video recording for PDDs, and documentation. With appropriate and thorough training, anyone within your organization could complete PDDs effectively.

Schedule Observation and Data Collection

Scheduling when the observation and data collection will take place is an important consideration to ensure accurate data. All people that were identified as necessary for data collection must be available. It is critical that all parameters that could affect the results are considered in order to capture the physical demands that truly represent the job; production levels, staffing levels, shift type, etc. could all have an impact on the data collected on a particular day. It may be necessary to schedule data collection on multiple days in order to document a range of activities under different conditions.

Additional Considerations

• Are necessary people available?
• When is the highest workload?
• When is the lowest workload?
• Is there a difference in workload between days/shifts?
• Are there variations in staffing levels?
• Will all tasks be performed during observation and data collection?

The following steps are completed for Observation and Data Collection:

Determine Job Purpose & Tasks

Knowing the job purpose or objective will be helpful to accurately document the job during observation. It will guide the observation and data collection by having a high level view of the tasks required to fulfill the job requirements. Often this information can come from a job description from Human Resources or other documents within the organization.

Verify Purpose and Tasks

In order to verify the job purpose and tasks performed in the job, the tasks must be observed and captured while they are performed. If the job is cyclical, it should be observed for several cycles to ensure the entire sequence of tasks is documented. Non-cyclical jobs become more challenging to verify all tasks. Most often the tasks that are identified during the observation should be discussed with the worker and supervisor in order to verify that they are accurate. Types of tasks include lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, gripping, walking, climbing, talking, reading, writing, etc.

Quantify Physical Demands

Using appropriate tools, all of the physical aspects of each task must be measured and documented. Common measures include force or load, distance, frequency, and duration of a task. It is important that the measurements are objective and not based on the individual worker being observed. The measures should be the same regardless of the worker performing the tasks.

Some Common Measures

• Weight lifted, carried or lowered
• Tools used by worker
• Distance walked
• Force used to push or pull
• Frequency of task performed
• Distance reached for object, control or tool

Classify Essential and Non-Essential Tasks

Once all of the tasks have been identified and verified, each should be classified into essential and non-essential tasks. The definitions of essential and non-essential are:

Essential	Non-Essential
Tasks or duties that are deemed to be very important, necessary or vital to the job or service. Other synonyms include: critical, fundamental, integral, crucial, indispensable or imperative.	Tasks or duties that are not an integral part of the job or service; they may be shared by other workers within the organization. Other synonyms include: peripheral, accessory, incidental, or supplementary.

Lift/Lower

Moving an object from one level to another (includes pulling or exerting upward force to hold a static object).

Important Items to Document:

• Description of the task (what, where, how)
• The weight of the object being lifted
• Starting height of the lift
• Final or end height of the lift
• Whether right, left, or both hands were used
• Horizontal reach distance (if applicable)

Carry

Transporting an object over a distance, usually holding in the hands, or on the arm(s) or shoulder(s).

Important Items to Document:

• Description of the carrying task (what, where, how)
• The weight of the object carried
• The distance the object is carried
• Height the object is carried at
• Whether right, left or both hands/arms/shoulders used
• Type of grip used

Push

Exerting force upon an object in order to move the object away from worker (includes striking and holding static).

Important Items to Document:

• Description of the pushing task (what, where, how)
• The maximum and average force
• The distance traveled for the push task
• Hand height(s) during the pushing task
• Whether right, left, or both hands were used
• Type of grip used

Pull

Exerting force upon an object in order to move the object towards worker (includes jerking and holding an object stationary).

Important Items to Document:

• Description of the pulling task (what, where, how)
• The maximum and average force
• The distance traveled for the pulling task
• Hand height(s) during the pulling task
• Whether right, left, or both hands were used
• Type of grip used

Reach

Extending hands and arms in any direction away from a neutral posture beyond a barrier or abstacle.

Important Items to Document:

• Description of the reaching task (what, where, how)
• Height of the hand(s) during the reach
• Distance from the obstacle or barrier to the hand(s)
• Whether left, right, or both hands were used

Grip

Seizing, grasping, holding, turning, or otherwise working with the hands. Fingers are simply an extension of the hand.

Important Items to Document:

• Description of the gripping task (what, where, how)
• Type of grip used
• Direction of turning or manipulation (if applicable)
• Whether left, right or both hands were used
• Height of the hand(s) during the task
• Reach distance required (if applicable)

Pinch

Using the fingers specifically, rather than the entire hand, to hold or manipulate an object.

Important Items to Document:

• Description of the pinching task (what, where, how)
• Type of pinch grip used
• Whether left, right or both hands were used
• Height of the hand(s) during the task
• Pinch force required, if measurable
• Reach distance required (if applicable)

Write

Holding a pen, pencil or stylus while drawing or making notes with written words on a surface.

Important Items to Document:

• Description of the writing task (what, where, how)
• Whether left or right hand was used
• What type of writing surface (paper, box, tablet, etc.)
• What type of writing utensil was used (pen, pencil, etc.)
• Duration or amount of writing required
• Hand height for the writing task

Fine Finger Movement

Using the fingers to manipulate one or more objects, requiring accuracy or precision.

Important Items to Document:

• Description of the fine fingering task (what, where, how)
• The number of fingers involved
• Details regarding the precision or accuracy involved
• Whether right, left or both hands are used
• Height of the hand(s) for the task

Sit

Remaining in a seated position on a surface for a period of time. All or the majority of body weight is being supported.

Important Items to Document:

• Description of the sitting task (what, where, how)
• Type of seat surface
• Seat height
• Seat dimensions
• Duration of time seated

Stand

Remaining on one’s feet in an upright position. This would involve a worker being stationary for a period of time.

Important Items to Document:

• Description of the standing task (what, where, how)
• Duration of standing task
• Type of standing surface or terrain
• Condition of standing surface (wet, dry, slippery, etc.)
• Footwear used

Walk

Moving one’s self on foot over a measurable distance.

Important Items to Document:

• Description of the walking task (what, where, how)
• Distance from start to end of walking task
• Duration of walking task
• Type of walking surface or terrain
• Condition of walking surface (wet, dry, slippery, etc.)
• Footwear used

Kneel

Supporting a portion of one’s body weight on one or both knees for a period of time.

Important Items to Document:

• Description of the kneeling task (what, where, how)
• Duration of kneeling task
• Type of surface
• Whether one knee or both knees used

 Crouch/Squat

Remaining in a lowered position for a period of time by bending one’s knees.

Important Items to Document:

• Description of crouching/squatting (what, where, how)
• Duration of task

Balance

Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling on any number of surfaces (e.g. platform, slope, slippery surface, etc.).

Important Items to Document:

• Description of balancing task (what, where, how)
• Duration of task
• Type of surface
• Whether one or both feet used
• Condition of surface

Crawl

Moving one’s self on the hands and knees over a measurable distance.

Important Items to Document:

• Description of crawling task (what, where, how)
• Duration of task
• Distance from start to end of crawling task
• Type of surface
• Condition of surface (wet, dry, slippery, etc.)

Climb

Moving one’s self in the vertical direction on one or more surfaces (e.g. stairs, ladder, rope, ramp, etc.).

Important Items to Document:

• Description of climbing task (what, where, how)
• Distance from start to finish of climbing task
• Type and description of surface
• Details of climbing surface (e.g. step height, ramp angle)

Taste

Distinguishing or recognizing, with a degree of accuracy, differences or similarities in particular flavours using the tongue.

Important Items to Document:

• Description of tasting task (what, where, how)
• Type of food or product being tasted
• Type or level of recognition or accuracy required
• Tool(s) used in tasting task

Smell

Distinguishing or recognizing, with a degree of accuracy, differences or similarities in particular odours using the nose.

Important Items to Document:

• Description of smelling task (what, where, how)
• Type of odour being smelled
• Type or level of recognition or accuracy required

Speech

Delivering information through oral word to others.

Important Items to Document:

• Description of the speaking task (what, where, how)
• Level of detail conveyed (single word, sentence, etc.)
• Purpose of the speech

Hear

Perceiving particular sounds or spoken words by the ear.

Important Items to Document:

• Description of hearing task (what, where, how)
• What sounds or words are required to be heard
• Sound level that is being heard (dB)

 Feel/Tactile

Perceiving attributes of objects by touching with the skin, particularly the hands and fingers.

Important Items to Document:

• Description of feeling task (what, where, how)
• What object(s) are being felt
• Detail(s) that are required to be detected by feel

 Vision/Read

Perceiving detail, information, or written words by the eye(s).

Important Items to Document:

• Description of vision task (what, where, how)
• What is being viewed or read
• Level of detail that is required to be viewed

Data Entry

Entering information. This is often completed using a physical keyboard or other technology, however, could be speech.

Important Items to Document:

• Description of data entry task (what, where, how)
• Amount of information being entered
• Type of technology being used to enter data
• Whether one or both hands are used, or other body part

Driving

Operating and steering a vehicle in motion.

Important Items to Document:

• Description of driving task (what, where, how)
• Type of vehicle being driven
• Type of steering mechanism (wheel, levers, etc.)
• Height of steering mechanism
• Type of driving surface or terrain
• Description of surroundings (traffic, workers, buildings)

Foot Action

Using the foot to operate or strike an object, such as using a pedal or a kicking motion.

Important Items to Document:

• Description of foot action task (what, where, how)
• What object(s) are being operated or struck
• Foot force required
• Height and location of the pedal or object
• Whether one foot or both feet are required`

Handling of Odd Objects

Lifting or handling of oddly shaped or balanced objects or people such as patients.

Important Items to Document:

• Description of handling task (what, where, how)
• Type of object being handled
• Weight or approximate weight handled
• Duration of the handling task
• Height of the handling task

Reporting

Finalize PDD Document

After all of the tasks have been observed and verified with the worker and supervisor, photographs taken, the measurements have been collected, the OHCOW PDD template should be completed. The template should be completed thoroughly, providing as much detail as possible. It is important when completing the OHCOW PDD template that all information provided is objective and based on the task and the work environment where it was performed, rather than the worker that was observed. Ensure that pictures of tasks included in the final document are clear. Documented tasks should include photographs as often as possible to provide a visual reference to the measurements and description.Make every effort to consider who will be reading the PDD document once it has been completed. It should be clear and concise, allowing someone who is not familiar with the job to understand the work being performed. As discussed above, there is a broad range of individuals who could be using the document to make decisions.

Distribute for Approval & Sign-Off

The final PDD document should be distributed to all individuals in the organization that were involved in the preparation phase. It provides everyone with a final opportunity to review all of the job elements to verify accuracy and that there are no omissions. Create a short but manageable timeframe for individuals to provide feedback. The document should be finalized following the timeframe for feedback. Be sure to include the date it was completed, the name of the observer, and all other information required on the OHCOW PDD template.

File & Backup

Store your PDD collection in a location that can be accessed by all authorized individuals. Be sure to consider who will require the documents and where they will be stored, both in hard copy and electronically. It is wise to have multiple copies in order to prevent loss of files. You may want to consider what type of file is used to prevent unauthorized modifications. Locked file formats such as .pdf may be preferred to control the PDD content.

Future Considerations

Timeline for Review & Updates

A structured timeline should be implemented for PDD reviews. Organizations should regularly be revisiting their PDDs to determine where updates are necessary. It is recommended that PDDs be reviewed at least annually to evaluate if updates are warranted. If all jobs do not currently have PDDs, a timeline for completion should be established in addition to a timeline for review. Larger workplaces may develop a plan to review all PDDs annually by reviewing certain departments or areas monthly or quarterly in order to complete all jobs over a 12 month period.

There may be significant changes to jobs or processes that would trigger an immediate update to one or more PDDs. Each organization should consider what these triggers could be in order to maintain a current PDD database.

Possible Triggers for Immediate Updates

• New machine(s)
• New tool(s)
• New product(s)
• Process change
• Work reorganization
• Increase/Decrease in quotas
• Increase in responsibilities

Use of Data for Ergonomics and MSD Prevention

With proper care and planning, data and measurements from the PDD process can be used in risk assessment tools in order to analyze various aspects of the work being performed. Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) hazards can be identified, assessed, and either eliminated or reduced as part of a functioning ergonomics or MSD prevention program. This type of program goes far beyond the PDD process described in this document. It is recommended that Canadian Certified Professional Ergonomists (CCPEs) perform the detailed analysis and hazard evaluation. A significantly higher level of training and experience is required to perform such hazards assessments and implement solutions. The appendix that follows provides a PDD template for organizations to use as a standard document. It has been designed in such a way to provide measures that can be taken and used in MSD hazard or risk assessment tools.