Download the form here on our FAE services page.
Quick Overview:
A Job Demands Analysis (JDA) and Functional Abilities Evaluation (FAE) are important tools used by the City of Toronto to assess an individual’s ability to perform specific job tasks. These assessments help determine if an employee is fit for their current role or if accommodations need to be made. Here are five key facts about JDAs and FAEs:
1. Purpose: The primary purpose of a JDA is to identify the physical, cognitive, and environmental demands of a specific job. This information helps employers create accurate job descriptions and make informed decisions regarding hiring, training, and accommodation.
2. Process: A JDA involves observing employees performing their tasks, interviewing supervisors and workers, reviewing relevant documents, and analyzing data collected. On the other hand, an FAE evaluates an individual’s functional abilities through various tests such as lifting weights or simulating work-related activities.
3. Benefits: Conducting JDAs can assist in preventing workplace injuries by identifying potential hazards or ergonomic issues that may impact employee health. FAEs provide valuable information for determining return-to-work plans after injury or illness.
4. Legal Compliance: Both JDAs and FAEs must adhere to applicable legislation such as human rights codes that protect individuals from discrimination based on disability or other protected grounds.
5. Privacy Considerations: When conducting these assessments, privacy laws must be followed to ensure confidentiality of personal health information gathered during the process.
Q1: Are employers legally required to conduct JDAs?
A1: While there might not be a legal obligation specifically mandating JDAs for all roles in every jurisdiction within Canada, it is considered best practice for employers under occupational health and safety regulations.
Q2: Can employees refuse to participate in an FAE?
A2: Employees have the right to refuse participation; however, it may impact their eligibility for certain benefits like insurance coverage or return-to-work programs.
Q3: Can an employee request accommodations based on the results of a JDA or FAE?
A3: Yes, employees can request reasonable accommodations based on their functional abilities and job demands identified in these assessments. Employers have a duty to accommodate up to the point of undue hardship.
Q4: How often should JDAs be conducted?
A4: It is recommended that JDAs be reviewed periodically or when there are significant changes in job tasks, equipment, or work environment.
Q5: Who can conduct JDAs and FAEs?
A5: These assessments should be conducted by qualified professionals such as occupational therapists, physiotherapists, or other healthcare providers with expertise in assessing physical and cognitive abilities related to work tasks.
BOTTOM LINE:
Job Demands Analysis (JDA) and Functional Abilities Evaluation (FAE) are essential tools used by employers like the City of Toronto to assess employees’ ability to perform specific job tasks. These assessments help ensure workplace safety, inform hiring decisions, facilitate return-to-work plans after injury/illness, and support accommodation requests. Compliance with relevant legislation and privacy considerations must always be prioritized during this process.