If you want to discuss this by phone call my cell at 603-770-3484. RM

Just to reasssure - I'm not making the call. I'm completing the assessment and faxing the information to Employee Health where is it in a separate file from the personnel file (Medical information). The Employee Health RN is notifying Human Resources of a pass/fail. I'm using a physical demand analysis which lists this as an essential demand. Thanks for your support.

Be sure you have documented the 50" lift as a task that incumbents perform. The 60 pound grip does not surprise me; depending on the type of work, holding/lifting/restraining a human can take up to almost 90 pounds of force (RCMP suggest 88 lbs force).

Be sure your system indicates that the applicant 'Met' or 'Did Not Meet' a physical demand related to an essential function and that the decision to not convert to the employment stage was based on that data. You as the evaluator should not be making the call, your HR dept is probably the best group to make the call; you are simply reporting the results. Hope this is not too much info...

Not using a cutpoint but am finding it to be around 60#. I'm being questioned regarding the 50" lift. One particular person has gone to the hospital president because of not passing physical demand test. Right gross grasp averaged 25# (former textile worker). I've been defending my job analysis and test stating that this is a red flag but person was not denied employment due to grip. She insists the lift test is not appropriate - too high.

Excellent! Grip strength is often overlooked. Is there a cutpoint you are using for grip strength?

Thanks Roy. I'm using a 50" height due to the assessment that they are lifting patients up in bed and adjusting as well as to get clearance from a bedside commode to bed/chair over non detachable arms. What I'm finding is a direct correlation between grip strength and performance of task.

First, measure the range of the lift your nursing assistants typically perform. Second, the lift is probably from 3 inches (just above the floor) to about 32 to 34 inches, depending on whether they lift to a chair or to a bed. Remember that the grip will be classified as 'poor'.