Richard W. Bunch, PhD, PT, CBES Physical ability tests (PATs) used for job placement of individuals upon hire or upon return to work following an injury/illness are subject to challenges from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Office…

Dykema Gossett PLLC The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals recently provided employers addressing potential FMLA abuse with important guidance on how such matters should be addressed. It turns out that playing golf while on an FMLA leave can get you…

In major news for employers in Pittsburgh, the City Council recently unanimously passed a new ordinance greatly expanding protections for pregnant employees and imposing several new requirements on private employers, much like those under the federal Pregnancy Discrimination Act, Americans…

Fit-for-Duty News Physical Demand Validations – The Legal Foundation for Fit-for-Duty Testing Fit-for-duty (FFD) exams conducted on a post-offer, preplacement basis can be essential to managing injuries, loss time, and increasing productivity. Failure to demonstrate abilities to perform the essential…

Today, our workforce is undergoing complex changes related to the effects of an uncertain economy and the impact of aging on safe job performance. It has never been more important for industries to take the most effective steps to help…

Fit-for-Duty News Post-Offer / Pre-Placement Functional Testing for New Hires – History & Current Practice With today’s concern about an increasingly aging work population and job applicants who may have significant medical conditions already in existence at the time of…

Wellness Tip of the Month Preventing Cardiovascular Disease Cardiovascular disease (CD) resulting in heart attacks and strokes remains the leading cause of death among Americans today. CD affects about 84 million people in this country causing, on average, about 2,200…

Ergonomics Ergonomics, “the study of work” has gain increased importance over the last few years with the graying of the American work force. Since the 1960’s the growth of the U.S. population aged 65 and over has more than doubled….

Wellness Tip of the Month The Harm of Drinking Sugary Drinks (Sodas) One of the many contributors to the epidemic of obesity, in children and adults, is drinking sugar loaded sodas. In fact, Dr. Bunch preaches regularly in his motivational…

Ergonomic Tip of the Month Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls – A Problem Gaining Importance in an Aging Workforce. Accidents involving slips, trips and falls send 9 million people to the hospital each year and are a leading cause of…