Behavioral Fitness For Duty (FFD)

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Marie-Claude Rigaud,

Affiliations: P.O. Box 2816, Aurora, IL 60507, USA. Tel.: +1 630 466 4142; Fax: +1 630 466 4145; E-mail: [email protected]

Note: [] Diplomate, American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology; President, Rigaud & Associates (Occupational Mental Health Consultants); Clinical Assistant Professor, Loyola University, Maywood, IL, USA; Lecturer, University of Illinois, Chicago, USA; Fellow, American Psychiatric Association, American Board of Disability Analysts, American College of Forensic Examiners

Abstract: Fitness for Duty (FFD) related to physiological or physical conditions of workers is a rather familiar concept to professionals practicing in the field of Occupational Health. Behavioral/Mental/Psychological FFD of workers, another important element of individual-to-work fitness, is now beginning to receive more attention. The paper defines psychological FFD, emphasizing the differences between ``fitness'' and ``readiness'' for duty. This is followed by a discussion of the indications and benefits of evaluating employees' psychological FFD and a description of the three-step evaluation process developed by the author.

Journal: Work, vol. 16, no. 1, pp. 3-6, 2001