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With extended holiday season hours, increased workloads, and temporary staff, workplaces can see a rise in staff injuries and absences.
The holiday season is a busy time for many businesses - retailers, logistics companies, healthcare providers, and more. For employers, proactively managing these risks is critical to keeping teams safe and operations running smoothly.
Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs) are a powerful tool in this context. They help employers understand an employee’s capabilities, reduce injury risk, and plan safe return-to-work strategies - even during peak-season pressures.
Here’s how employers can leverage FCEs to manage holiday-season challenges effectively.
1. Recognizing Increased Risks During the Holidays
Longer hours, heavier workloads, and seasonal staffing changes can increase the likelihood of workplace injuries. Common holiday-season risks include:
- Musculoskeletal injuries from heavy lifting or repetitive tasks
- Slips, trips, and falls due to crowded or fast-paced environments
- Strains and fatigue from extended shifts or unfamiliar roles
By understanding these risks, employers can implement strategies to reduce incidents before they impact productivity or staff wellbeing.
2. What is a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE)?
An FCE is an assessment that evaluates an employee’s physical capabilities and limitations in relation to their job tasks. It provides objective, evidence-based information about:
- Strength, flexibility, and endurance
- Ability to safely perform specific duties
- Potential restrictions or accommodations needed
For employers, FCEs help answer crucial questions: Can an employee safely return to work after an injury? Are there tasks they should avoid? What supports or modifications are required?
3. Using FCEs to Manage Holiday-Season Staff
Here are practical ways FCEs can support employers during the busiest time of the year:
a. Safe Return-to-Work Planning
Employees returning from injury may face pressure to rejoin busy operations. FCEs provide clear, objective guidance on what tasks they can perform safely, reducing the risk of re-injury.
b. Temporary or Seasonal Staff Assessment
Seasonal employees may be performing unfamiliar tasks. An FCE can identify physical demands and ensure staff are placed in roles that align with their capabilities.
c. Reducing Risk and Liability
By proactively assessing staff capabilities, employers can prevent injuries before they occur, lowering workers’ compensation claims and ensuring compliance with occupational health and safety regulations.
d. Team Workload Management
FCEs can inform workload planning by highlighting who can safely perform physically demanding tasks and who may need accommodations, helping teams operate safely and efficiently during high-demand periods.
4. Tips for Employers Implementing FCEs
- Plan Early: Schedule FCEs ahead of the peak season to allow sufficient time for recommendations and accommodations.
- Integrate With HR Processes: Use FCE findings in conjunction with HR policies, return-to-work programs, and occupational health protocols.
- Communicate Clearly: Explain the purpose of FCEs to employees - emphasize safety, support, and fair workplace practices.
- Partner With Experts: Work with experienced providers to ensure accurate, reliable assessments that meet legal and regulatory requirements.
The holiday season can strain both staff and operations, but with proactive planning and the use of Functional Capacity Evaluations, employers can reduce risk, protect their teams, and maintain productivity. FCEs provide clarity, confidence, and actionable insights that benefit both employees and organizations - helping everyone finish the year safely and strongly.
Looking to reduce workplace injuries this holiday season? Contact IMA Solutions to learn how Functional Capacity Evaluations can support your team and keep operations running safely.
