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Functional Capacity Evaluation
A Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) is an assessment for workers who have suffered injuries that could affect their employment opportunities. The worker's ability to perform work and their physical tolerances to a variety of real and/or simulated work activities is assessed.
A Job Demands Analysis (JDA) may be requested in conjunction with a Functional Capacity Evaluation to determine the physical demands associated with the worker's job. The JDA is a comprehensive assessment of the job tasks. This includes quantification (weights, frequency, and duration) of all work tasks.
Description of services
Admission criteria
Length of service
Service locations
Referral process
Bulletins
Inquiries
Description of services
A Functional Capacity Evaluation collects objective information relevant to the determination of feasibility for employment. This includes the identification of individual strength, abilities, needs and preferences by undertaking the following activities:
- Subjective questionnaires
- Real and/or simulated work activities
- Consistency of effort measures
- Standardized tests
Admission criteria
The program is designed for workers:
- Who have suffered injuries that could affect their employment opportunities
- Who have no medical contraindications
- Whose current functional abilities and limitations need to be determined
The program is not appropriate for the worker who:
- Has a diagnosed or suspected brain injury
- Meets or exceeds the physical requirements of their job and is considered fit to return to work
- Presents with a medical condition that would put the worker at undue risk of harm
- Is currently engaged in a treatment intervention for the same injury
Length of service
An FCE is typically one to two days in length depending on the purpose of the assessment.
Service locations
Functional Capacity Evaluations and Job Demands Analyses are offered at WorkSafeBC-approved clinics throughout B.C.
Referral process
Workers are referred for an FCE or JDA by a WorkSafeBC officer. Attending physicians can refer workers to this type of assessment by verbally communicating this to the WorkSafeBC officer or through an Form F11.
Bulletins
- March 19, 2013 (PDF 102kb)
- January 7, 2013 - BC Family Day (PDF 65kb)
- November 16, 2012 (PDF 65kb)
- November 15, 2012 (PDF 73kb)
- November 14, 2012 (PDF 93kb)
- November 17, 2011 (PDF 84kb)
- October 26, 2011 (PDF 66kb)
- September 19, 2011 (PDF 95kb)
- April 11, 2011 (PDF 31kb)
- July 23, 2010 (PDF 42kb)
- May 13, 2010 (PDF 34kb)
- February 19, 2010 (PDF 21kb)
- January 21, 2010 (PDF 26kb)
- January 12, 2010 (PDF 35kb)
- September 23, 2009 (PDF 34kb)
Inquiries
Please call Health Care Services at 604 232-7787 or toll-free at 1 866 244-6404. Or visit the FCE contact details page for further information.