The assessment of functional work capacity in the South African mining industry

Issue title: Occupational Work Therapy Practice in South Africa

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Hofmann, Tia-Mari | Kielblock, Johan

Affiliations: AngloGold Ashanti Health, Western Levels, South Africa

Note: [] Address for correspondence: Ms Tia-Mari Hofmann, AngloGold Ashanti Health, PO Box 8599, Western Levels, 2502, South Africa. Tel.: +27 18 700 2221; Fax: +27 18 700 2111; E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: Overall physical work fitness is a prerequisite in numerous industries. Apart from improved productivity, it remains fundamental with regards to the maintenance of good health and safety. To address worker fitness in the mining industry, AngloGold Ashanti and Anglo Platinum Mining Houses developed a Functional Work Capacity (FWC) test battery. The FWC test battery consists of 19 work simulations representing the required functional work capacity to cope with all types of physical work tasks and work environments in the mining industry. This assessment tool is not only used to evaluate injured or medically affected workers for alternative placement but also to ensure that the new employee is placed in a job matching his physical capacity. This paper reviews the design process and application of the FWC test battery in the mining industry.

Keywords: Occupational therapy, rehabilitation, instrument development

Journal: Work, vol. 29, no. 1, pp. 5-11, 2007