A functional capacity evaluation objectively measures an injured person’s ability to safely perform their usual tasks at work and is often conducted in conjunction with a fitness for duties assessment.

During the evaluation, an employee is required to demonstrate their capacity to perform their usual duties so the assessor – often an allied health professional – can form an opinion regarding a safe return to pre-injury duties.

The employee may also need to demonstrate their capacity to perform more suitable duties if it is deemed unsafe for them to return to their usual pre-injury duties.

The evaluation can also assist with reviewing an individual’s capacity to perform activities of daily living.