Prepare for a safe return to pre-injury work levels with intensive training.
Work Hardening Program
A Work Hardening Program is a highly structured, individualized program designed to help employees return to their pre-injury work levels safely and efficiently. The goal of this program is to restore physical, biomechanical, cardiovascular, metabolic, neuromuscular, and psychosocial functions in conjunction with work tasks. By simulating real work conditions, work hardening programs ensure that employees are prepared for the physical demands of their job, reducing the risk of re-injury and improving overall workplace safety.
Understanding Work Hardening Programs
Work hardening programs are essential for employees recovering from injuries or those who have been away from work for an extended period. These programs focus on:
Strengthening and Flexibility: Improving muscle strength and flexibility to handle job-specific tasks.
Cardiovascular Conditioning: Enhancing cardiovascular endurance to meet the physical demands of the job.
Spine and Joint Stabilization: Strengthening core muscles and stabilizing joints to prevent injuries.
Job Task Training: Simulating job tasks such as lifting, pushing, pulling, crouching, and bending to prepare employees for their return to work.
What Happens During a Work Hardening Program?
During a work hardening program, an interdisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including physical therapists, kinesiologists, and physicians, work together to create a customized plan for each employee. The program typically includes:
Initial Assessment: Evaluating the employee's current physical abilities and identifying areas that need improvement.
Customized Exercise Plan: Developing a tailored exercise regimen that includes strength training, flexibility exercises, cardiovascular conditioning, and job-specific task training.
Progress Monitoring: Regularly assessing the employee's progress and adjusting the program as needed to ensure continuous improvement.
Functional Testing: Conducting functional tests to measure the employee's ability to perform job-related tasks safely and effectively.
The duration of a work hardening program can vary, typically ranging from 4 to 8 weeks, with sessions lasting 2-4 hours per day, 3-5 days per week.
Who Can Benefit from Work Hardening Programs?
Employees recovering from injuries who need to regain their physical abilities to return to work.
Individuals who have been away from work for an extended period and need to rebuild their strength and endurance.
Labor-intensive professionals involved in physically demanding tasks who require job-specific functional improvements.
Why Work Hardening Programs Are Important
Work hardening programs are crucial for businesses because they:
Reduce the Risk of Re-Injury: By preparing employees for the physical demands of their job, work hardening programs help prevent re-injuries.
Enhance Employee Confidence: Employees who complete work hardening programs feel more confident in their ability to perform their job tasks safely.
Improve Productivity: Well-prepared employees are more efficient and productive, contributing to overall business success.
Support Employee Well-Being: These programs promote physical health and well-being, leading to higher job satisfaction and reduced absenteeism.
Connect with Navisess
For more information or to enroll in a work hardening program, please connect with the Navisess team. Our experts are ready to help you create a safer and more productive work environment for your employees.