Worksite Assessment (WSA)
A worksite assessment (WSA) is a one-off detailed occupational health style evaluation carried out in the workplace itself.
What it is
A worksite assessment (WSA) is a one-off detailed occupational health style evaluation carried out in the workplace itself. While taking account of the employee's health condition, the assessor considers the employee's function against the physical demands of their normal work role. The assessment outcomes provide the employer with a clear picture of workplace risks and practical recommendations for managing the health condition, and a sound basis for helping the worker remain in work or return safely.
Who it is for
The WSA is used by employers, occupational health providers, insurers and insurance brokers who need evidence gathered at the workplace about a specific employee in a specific role. Typical referrals involve an employee who is absent and preparing to return, or one who is at work but at risk because of a health condition or injury.
It also suits cases where adjustments might keep someone in work. The assessment identifies reasonable accommodations that could enable the individual to perform well and sustain their role, rather than relying on a written job description alone.
What is involved
The assessor visits the workplace and meets the employee together with their line manager or supervisor. They then carry out a detailed assessment of the workplace and the job tasks associated with the role.
The findings are used to design an appropriate return-to-work programme. The visit is also an opportunity to coach the employee in safe work practices, including manual handling, warm-up and stretching routines, and posture.
What the referrer receives
The referrer receives a one-off report focused on the reasonable accommodations, where appropriate, that could enable the individual to perform well and sustain work. It sets out the risks identified at the worksite, recommendations for injury management, and the basis for a return-to-work programme.
Questions referrers ask
Who carries out a worksite assessment?
The WSA is carried out by healthcare professionals. Form Health's wider multi-disciplinary team includes occupational therapists, nurses, physiotherapists and osteopaths, so findings can feed into further assessment or rehabilitation where needed.
Does the assessment take place at our premises?
Yes. The assessor visits the workplace to meet the employee and their line manager or supervisor, and assesses the job tasks in the environment where they are actually performed. Recommendations are therefore based on the real role and its real demands.
How does a worksite assessment differ from an ergonomic assessment?
An ergonomic assessment reviews an individual's workstation and equipment, such as chairs, desks, screens and input devices, and can be carried out face to face or by video. A worksite assessment is broader: it evaluates the worker against the tasks, environment and demands of the whole job, and reports on the adjustments that could keep them in work or support a safe return.
What happens after you refer
Steps
- 1
Refer
- 2
Logged
- 3
Individual contacted
- 4
Assessment
- 5
Report to your inbox
- 1
Refer
- 2
Logged
- 3
Individual contacted
- 4
Assessment
- 5
Report to your inbox
Assessment client? See how vocational rehabilitation completes the claim.
An objective evaluation tells you where things stand. Our rehabilitation and case management take it from there, through to a sustained return to work.
Explore return to work servicesTalk to the team
Whether it is one referral or a programme of work, start with a conversation.