What Is a Job Demands Analysis – and Why Does It Matter?

Occupational Therapists play a crucial role in helping people safely return to work after injury or illness.

One expert in this field is Beriah Chandoo, a registered Occupational Therapist at Cedar Rock Wellness. With over 20 years of clinical experience in Canada and the UK, Beriah has worked across a range of roles - from paediatric practice and sensory integration to lecturing and policy development.

In this blog, Beriah shares her insights on Job Demands Analysis (JDA) - a key tool in understanding workplace requirements and supporting safe, effective return-to-work planning. Her quotes highlight the value of JDAs, how they guide functional assessments, and why they’re essential for both employees and employers.

So, what is a Job Demands Analysis - really? And how does it help occupational health, disability management, and return-to-work planning?

What Is a Job Demands Analysis?

A Job Demands Analysis is an objective, systematic assessment of the physical, cognitive, and environmental demands of a specific job. It’s conducted at the actual worksite (or simulated if the worksite is unavailable), and it breaks down each task involved in a role to evaluate:

• Postural demands (e.g., standing, walking, sitting, kneeling)
  
  
• Strength requirements (e.g., lifting, pushing, carrying, pulling)
  
  
• Cognitive and sensory tasks (e.g., decision-making, focus, hand-eye coordination)
  
  
• Environmental considerations (e.g., noise, temperature, work surface)
  
  
• Pace, frequency, and duration of tasks throughout a typical shift
  
  

These analyses are most often carried out by Occupational Therapists (OTs) who have specialized training in task analysis, ergonomics, and injury prevention.

“As an OT, I break down posture, strength, coordination, and cognitive demands. Then, through an FCE, I can test whether someone’s abilities match those job requirements.” - Beriah Chandoo, OT

Why JDAs Are So Valuable

A JDA acts like a bridge - connecting the clinical world with the worksite. Here’s why they matter:

1. Supports Safe Return-to-Work Planning

If someone has been injured or is recovering from illness, a JDA provides the clarity needed to match their current capabilities with the demands of the job. This ensures the individual is not set up for re-injury or failure.

2. Informs Functional Assessments

JDAs help guide Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs) by providing the baseline for comparison. Without knowing what a job actually requires, you can’t accurately say whether someone can perform it.

3. Guides Workplace Accommodation

A detailed JDA allows employers and case managers to make informed decisions about modified duties, ergonomic changes, or graduated return-to-work schedules.

4. Protects Employers and Employees

Clear documentation of job demands can support legal, insurance, and HR processes - especially in cases of dispute, disability claims, or permanent restrictions.

“I’ve seen JDAs paired with FCE results take away the uncertainty after an injury—clearly showing what’s safe, what needs modifying, and where recovery is still needed.” - Beriah Chandoo, OT

When Should You Request a Job Demands Analysis?

You don’t need to wait for an injury to happen. JDAs are useful in both reactive and proactive scenarios:

• After a workplace injury or medical leave
  
  
• When an employee is returning to work after surgery or illness
  
  
• To create ergonomic improvements in physically demanding roles
  
  
• As part of risk mitigation or workplace safety programs
  
  
• When developing new job roles or restructuring teams
  
  

How JDAs Are Conducted at IMA Solutions

At IMA, our Occupational Therapists conduct JDAs using a combination of:

• On-site observation
  
  
• Task simulation and measurement
  
  
• Employee and supervisor interviews
  
  
• Photographic documentation
  
  
• Objective tools to assess weight, distance, height, frequency, and posture
  
  

We then produce a comprehensive report that can be used by employers, insurers, physicians, and legal teams to inform the next steps. Our goal is always to ensure that people can do their jobs safely, confidently, and sustainably.

“My role as an OT is to bridge health and work. By combining JDA findings with FCE data, I can give employers and healthcare teams a practical plan for safe return-to-work.” - Beriah Chandoo, OT 

JDAs in the Bigger Picture

A JDA may sound clinical or procedural, but at its heart, it’s about people. It’s about ensuring that individuals can return to meaningful work safely - and that employers have the insight they need to support them effectively.

It’s also about creating workplaces where demands are clearly understood and where prevention becomes as much a priority as rehabilitation.

“JDAs and FCEs aren’t just about getting back after an injury—they also highlight risks and prevention strategies so workers can stay healthy long term.” - Beriah Chandoo, OT

Interested in a Job Demands Analysis for your workplace or client?
Contact us to book with one of our occupational therapists or learn more about how we can support your team.

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