ABSTRACT
Functional capacity assessment (FCA) describes the evaluation of an employee or employee applicant in terms of their capacity to perform the essential duties of a position. FCA does not define a technique so much as a range of procedures used to evaluate fitness for work. It provides a basis for appropriately matching an individual to a specific job or general type of work from previously defined job or work demands, and may or may not include the specification of aids and accommodations to improve the match. It is the intent in this chapter to describe firstly the theory and concepts of FCA, and secondly the practical approach to its application. Its use of more than one assessment procedure distinguishes it from a standard employment medical examination (Ramanujam 1988). In addition, it encompasses access to the job site for detailed observation of the job, and also for a job trial in those circumstances where it is desirable.
