WORK HARDENING Introduction Work hardening is

Work hardening is described as applying to the rehabilitation phase of returning the industrially injured worker to the workplace. Worker's compensation deals with growing numbers of injured workers; work hardening has become a successful service. Work hardening is defined by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF); programs are interdisciplinary with conditioning tasks that are graded to progressively improve the biomechanical, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, metabolic, and psycosocial fitness of the individual with real or simulated work activities. Work hardening programs have standards which include a comprehensive approach addressing biomedical and psychosocial problems, graded work simulation, and a coordinated interdisciplinary team (Beissner, Saunders, & McManis, 1996; Feuerstein, Callan-Harris, hickey, Dyer, Armbruster, & Carosella, 1993; Hertfelder & Gwin, 1989; & Petersen, 1995).

Industrially injured workers are the largest group benefiting from work hardening programs. Others who benefit are all injured workers, employers, insurance carriers, and rehabilitation counselors. The g

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The goals of rehabilitation include the assurance of a smooth and rapid transition to the work force by addressing issues of self-esteem, pain, and fear of injury. Physical tolerances for work are developed as are safe worker habits and behaviors. The occupational therapist provides screening, evaluation, treatment, vocational interest evaluation, work adjustment, and placement (Hertfelder & Gwin, 1989). Therapeutic activity provided by occupational therapists include: work hardening through job simulation, body mechanics and joint protection, programming prevention and injury reduction, stress and pain management, work readiness and vocational exploration, ergonomic/biomechanic evaluation, work site and tool modification, job acquisition and supported employment, education and retraining for home management, identification of symptom malingering, retirement planning, driver re-training, case management, expert witness testimony, and use of therapeutic devices (Hertfelder & Gwin, 1989). Work environment and space environment for OT practice and its impact on OT focus are noted. Two choices for selection of a site for work hardening services include, within an established hospital or rehabilitation facility, or as a frees
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Approximate Word count = 1489
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page)

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