Functional Capacity Evaluations in Melbourne

A Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) is an assessment of a person’s physical abilities and limitations in relation to work-related tasks.

An FCE may assess whether an employee can safely perform physical activities required by their role, including lifting, carrying, standing, walking and other movements.

Hentys coordinates Functional Capacity Evaluations for employers, working with independent assessors and treating health professionals to support informed workplace decisions.

An employer may consider a Functional Capacity Evaluation when an employee’s injury, illness or medical condition raises genuine questions about their ability to safely perform the inherent requirements of their position.

Common circumstances include:

• Returning to work after an injury or extended absence
• Uncertainty about an employee’s physical work capacity
• Conflicting or insufficient medical information
• Considering suitable or modified duties
• Assessing physical restrictions affecting essential job tasks
• Supporting return-to-work planning

The need for an assessment should be considered in light of the employee’s circumstances and applicable legal obligations.

A Functional Capacity Evaluation assesses physical capabilities relevant to the employee’s work requirements.

Depending on the assessment, this may include:

• Lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling
• Standing, walking and sitting tolerance
• Bending, reaching and repetitive movements
• Strength, mobility and physical endurance
• Ability to complete specific work-related activities
• Functional limitations and potential work restrictions

The assessment should be relevant to the employee’s duties and conducted by an appropriately qualified health professional.

In some circumstances, an employer may be able to issue a lawful and reasonable direction requiring an employee to participate in a medical or functional capacity assessment.

Whether such a direction is appropriate depends on the circumstances, including the employer’s reasons, the information already available, the employee’s role and relevant legal obligations.

Employers should seek advice before directing an employee to attend an assessment, particularly where privacy, discrimination or employment law issues may arise.

Functional Capacity Evaluations are conducted by appropriately qualified health professionals with relevant assessment experience, such as occupational therapists or physiotherapists.

The professional selected depends on the employee’s circumstances and the assessment requirements.

Hentys does not perform the clinical evaluation. Instead, our team assists employers with coordinating independent assessments, preparing documentation and managing the associated employment and legal processes.

The duration of a Functional Capacity Evaluation depends on the employee’s condition, the physical demands of their role and the scope of the assessment.

Some assessments may be completed in a single appointment, while more complex matters may require additional assessment or supporting information.

Employers should also allow time for appointment scheduling, preparation of documentation and completion of the assessment report.

A Functional Capacity Evaluation generally focuses on assessing an employee’s physical abilities and capacity to complete work-related activities.

An Independent Medical Examination (IME) is a medical assessment that may consider diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, work capacity and other medical questions.

The two assessments may provide different but complementary information. The most appropriate option depends on the questions the employer needs answered and the applicable legal framework.

Yes. A Functional Capacity Evaluation can provide information about an employee’s physical abilities, limitations and suitability for particular duties.

This information may help employers consider modified tasks, suitable duties, workplace adjustments and staged return-to-work arrangements.

Hentys assists employers with interpreting the employment implications of assessment findings and managing relevant workplace injury management obligations.

Where an assessment identifies that an employee cannot safely perform their usual duties, the employer may need to consider available adjustments, alternative duties and relevant return-to-work obligations.

The employer should assess the employee’s circumstances, the inherent requirements of the role and any applicable legal protections.

An FCE finding does not automatically justify termination of employment. Hentys assists employers with evaluating appropriate next steps and managing employment law risks.

Yes. A Functional Capacity Evaluation may be appropriate where an employee has a non-work-related injury or medical condition that affects their ability to perform their duties safely.

Employers must still consider relevant employment, discrimination, privacy and workplace safety obligations.

Hentys assists employers with assessing the need for an evaluation and coordinating an appropriate process.

Functional Capacity Evaluations may provide information relevant to an employee’s physical work capacity during a workers compensation claim.

Assessment findings may assist with suitable duties, rehabilitation planning and return-to-work arrangements.

However, an FCE does not automatically determine claim liability or an employee’s entitlement to compensation.

Hentys also provides workers compensation management advice for employers.

If an employee refuses to participate in a Functional Capacity Evaluation, employers should first consider the reasons for the refusal.

Relevant issues may include the necessity of the assessment, medical concerns, privacy considerations and whether the direction was lawful and reasonable.

Employers should avoid automatically treating a refusal as misconduct without considering the circumstances and obtaining appropriate legal advice.

Functional Capacity Evaluation reports may contain sensitive health and employment information that requires appropriate handling.

Employers should consider applicable privacy laws, confidentiality obligations and the purpose for which the assessment information was obtained.

Access should generally be limited to those who reasonably need the information for legitimate employment or workplace safety purposes.

Hentys assists employers with managing assessment documentation and related legal obligations.

Hentys coordinates and manages Functional Capacity Evaluations for employers across Melbourne and Australia.

Our services include:

• Reviewing fitness-for-work concerns
• Coordinating independent physical capacity assessments
• Preparing assessment instructions and documentation
• Liaising with treating health professionals
• Preparing employee meeting invitations and management scripts
• Advising on procedural fairness and legal obligations
• Supporting suitable duties and return-to-work decisions

Where psychological capacity is the primary concern, Hentys also assists with psychological functional capacity evaluations .