Fit For Duty Program


What is Fit for Duty (FFD)?

FFD/physical abilities test is developed based on the physical demands of a particular job. Post-offer/ Pre-placement functional employment testing and physical exam ensures companies that prospective employees are physically and cognitively capable of carrying out the essential job functions. Test results deliver a solid impartial report for consistently making informed and legally compliant decisions on hiring new employees OR for an employee transferring to a new position.

Fit for Duty Benefits

  • Ensure prospective employees are capable of performing the essential functions of a job
  • Ensure employees returning to work post-injury are capable of performing the essential functions of a job
  • Decrease work-related injuries
  • Lower workers’ compensation costs and lost time
  • Aid with post-injury rehabilitation comparatives

FFD Testing Criteria

During a fit for duty test, prospective or current employees may be tested on the following criteria:

  • Vital signs (heart rate, respiration, blood pressure, temperature)
  • Joint range of motion/agility
  • Strength
  • Injury susceptibility
  • Job-specific task performance and safety
  • It may also include specific tests for joints that are susceptible to injury based on the profession such as carpal tunnel/ upper quadrant, hearing, vision, drug and alcohol testing (depending on CSU’s job description requirements).
  • Reasonable Accommodation

Like CSU, the FFD testing vendors utilized are required to make “reasonable accommodation” for candidates with disabilities to enable them to be considered for a job opening in adherence with ADA guidelines. CSU cannot refuse to consider candidates with disabilities who require accommodation. (See Office of Equal Opportunity, OEO, for assistance).

How to Setup a Fit for Duty test/program

Setting up a Fit for Duty test for prospective employees consists of all or part of the following steps:

  1. Review the position description within the Talent Management System (TMS).
  2. Request a physical demands analysis (PDA) or job demands analysis (JDA) of job tasks to compile precise and accurate measurements of actual job requirements (i.e., weight lifted, forces pushed/pulled, etc.)
  3. Coordinate, collect, and verify the PDA of essential functions compiled with the ergonomics team utilized by the testing center to put together or update the proposed test criteria.
  4. When appropriate and necessary, meet and interview vendors for compatibility with department goals.
  5. The physical demands analysis is used by the vendor of choice to create a test based on the physical demands of the job offered.
    • When starting or updating physical demands test criteria, it is valuable to set aside time for an incumbent validation study to adjust for the accuracy of the job-specific testing criteria.
  6. The department hiring authority provides candidates with directions to set up testing and to notify the vendor of the position to be tested.
  7. Enjoy the new team members!

Fit for Duty Testing Vendors

Coming soon!