The Functional Movement Assessment (FMA)

Exercise For Life designed the FMA in 2004 specifically for The Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA). The FMA is a specific assessment tool that uses objective visual measures to determine the physiological suitability of staff that are returning to work following a work related injury. The FMA can also be used to stratify potential employee candidates who demonstrate physiological traits that may pose them to be at risk of injury within the work place.

FESA have used the FMA for six years, both as part of its pre-employment process and to assess the physiological suitability of career firefighters returning to work from injury.

The FMA is a dynamic and portable assessment model that can be adapted to meet the needs of any employment position or job. The FMA has also been designed to meet the operational needs of QR National Freight employees.

Work Hardening

The Work Hardening program is designed to provide employees who have suffered a work related injury with a structured exercise program that utilises the functional loads and movements encountered in their job description.

The Work Hardening Program compliments treatment that injured employees may be receiving from other health care providers and is generally initiated at a point when hands-on treatment is no longer required. Approval from the injured worker’s Specialist and/or treating GP is required prior to commencing the program.

The Work Hardening Program is made up of three stages that are overseen by an Exercise Physiologist specialising in exercise rehabilitation. The three stages consist of an initial assessment, a targeted exercise regime and a work site physical assessment conducted at the completion of the program. This proactive treatment strategy provides the injured worker with the best opportunity of recovery, returning to work and limiting the chance of re-injury.

FESA currently using the work hardening program for all injured at work career fire fighters.