OSPTA visits job sites to observe workers' tasks, movements, equipment use and work flow.  Recommendations are made to redesign workstations to minimize workers' physical stresses and injury risk.  Job activities are restructured to assure workers' safety and maximize productivity.

Job Analysis  

Job tasks are analyzed for creation of a job description.  The job description lists the primary tasks involved in the performance of a particular job.  The job description includes tools used for the work, environmental conditions, and the physical demands required including:

       *Dynamic Strengthening: lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling.

        *Mobility:  portion of the day spent walking, reaching, climbing, crawling,
          and twisting.

       *Static positions:  portion of the workday spent in sitting, standing, kneeling,
         squatting, and bending.

This information is used to assist in return to work decisions, or to offer suggestions on job modifications, which may facilitate a safe return to work.

 Injury Prevention Programs

OSPTA provides employers with interactive safety seminars designed to prevent common workplace injuries.

Workers' Compensation Services

OSPTA is an approved workers' compensation panel provider for many companies throughout western Pennsylvania.

OSPTA offers convenient day and evening hours so employees can receive prompt care before and after work.

Pre-Employment/Post-Offer Screening

OSPTA provides these cost-effective functional capacity screenings as a way for employers to be sure that prospective employees can physically perform the essential tasks required for the job.  Studies have shown that work related injury rates have dropped for employers after implementing post-offer screening programs.   Please see our newsletter on Pre-work Screening.

Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCE)

A functional capacity evaluation (FCE) is a four hour evaluation using actual or simulated job activities to accurately measure a person's ability to perform critical work tasks.  FCE's provide information about general physical strength, endurance, body mechanics, posture, and effort.

The FCE simulates a day's work.  Clients replicate movements that they normally perform on the job.

OSPTA utilizes the Physical Work Performance Evaluation that was developed by the University of Alabama.  It is the first system that demonstrates consistent reliability and accuracy that is supported by research.  During the FCE testing, a statement is included on self-limiting behavior and evidence of low effort observed during the testing procedure.

Results are interpreted, and a recommendation made according to U.S. Department of Labor guidelines regarding feasibility for light, medium, or heavy duty assignments.  (Click on any of the highlighted links to our FCE newletter.)

OSPTA has been the provider of choice for US Steel corporation since 2002, providing industrial rehabilitation services for their western Pennsylvania plants.

OSPTA can help businesses of all sizes train their workforces, evaluate and treat work-related injuries, and reduce accident risk in the workplace.

Please call OSPTA at any of our convenient locations to further discuss the benefits of OSPTA's  industrial rehabilitation programs.

Program Director:

Mark Kerestan, PT established the OSPTA Industrial Rehabilitation Program in 1990.  He has attended Industrial Rehabilitation courses by such notable leaders as Blankenship, Matheson, Iserhagen, and Ergoscience.  Since 2002, Mark Kerestan has been providing onsite industrial rehabilitation services at the US Steel plants in southwestern PA.  He continues to perform FCE's, conduct injury prevention training sessions, and perform industrial rehabilitation consultation with physical therapists at various OSPTA locations.

Assistant Program Director:

Steve Dusi, PT received his Master of Science degree in Physical Therapy from Chatham College.  He is director of physical therapy at the VOR Speers' office and serves as assistant program director for OSPTA's Industrial Rehabilitation program.  Steve has been certified through Ergoscience since 2001, and has been performing Functional Capacity Evaluations and pre-employment screens for the past five years.