Affiliations: Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Academic
Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands | Mariasteen VZW, Sheltered Workshop, Gits,
Belgium | Department of Child and Adolescent Studies, Utrecht
University, Utrecht, The Netherlands | Research Institute MOVE, Faculty of Human Movement
Sciences, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Note: [] Address for correspondence: I. Zoer, Coronel Institute of
Occupational Health, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box
22700, 1100 DE Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Tel.: +31 205665339; Fax: +31
206977161; E-mail: i.zoer@amc.uva.nl
Abstract: Objective: To determine whether employees with disabilities were
initially assigned to jobs with work demands that matched their work
capacities. Participants: Forty-six employees with various physical, mental,
sensory and multiple disabilities working in a sheltered workshop. Methods: Physical and psychosocial work capacities were assessed
post-offer and pre-placement using the Ergo-Kit and Melba. Work demands of the
jobs were determined by workplace assessments with TRAC and Melba and were
compared with the work capacities. Results: Of the 46 employees, 25 employees were not physically
overloaded. When physical overload occurred, it was most often due to regular
lifting. All employees were physically underloaded on six or more work
activities, most often due to finger dexterity and manipulation. Almost all
employees (n=43) showed psychosocial overload or underload on one or more
psychosocial characteristics. Psychosocial overload was most often due to
endurance (long-term work performance), while psychosocial underload was most
often due to speaking and writing. Conclusion: Despite the assessment of work capacities at job
placement, underload and overload occurred on both physical activities and
psychosocial characteristics. Assessing both work capacities and work demands
before job placement is recommended. At job placement more attention should be
paid to overloading due to lifting and long-term work performance.
Keywords: Work capacity evaluation, physical, psychosocial, task performance, sheltered workshop
