Services for Employers

An employee’s work methods or workstation set-up can often be a contributor to pain or discomfort. An ergonomic assessment could mean the difference between having an employee at work – or having an employee on disability. When conducting an ergonomic assessment, our goals are to keep an employee on the job by decreasing their discomfort, improve an employee’s productivity and/or bring an employee back to the workplace with a reduced risk of re-injury or strain through ergonomic enhancements or adjustments in their work methods or workstation.

We also conduct ergonomic and workstation assessments for employees not experiencing discomfort using a pro-active approach to prevent employee discomfort related to workstation arrangement. Our Consultants have also conducted ergonomic education sessions to groups of employees and we have provided training sessions to companies on how to ensure ergonomic principles are implemented in basic office workstations.

This is an essential tool for the return to work process as it is used to match a person’s functional abilities for a specific position. It includes an objective analysis of the essential job tasks. The report is based on observations of the worksite, other employees performing the duties as well as interviews with the injured/disabled worker and/or supervisor. A JSA includes either a physical demands analysis of the employee’s position or a cognitive demands analysis or both. Recommendations from the report can include further rehabilitation recommendations with specific intervention or treatment providers, or workplace accommodations for the employee.

Employee sick time is a huge cost to employers and absenteeism is on the rise. We work with employees on a collaborative basis to discuss the issues which are leading to the absenteeism and work with the employee to develop strategies to address these issues. This may involve communication with the employee’s physicians or treatment providers to obtain medical restrictions regarding the employee’s ability to perform their essential job duties. Once these medical restrictions are known, options for workplace accommodations can be discussed with the employer with a goal of keeping the employee at work.

We are able to provide group seminars or individual consulting on a variety of human resource and occupational health and safety issues such as:
• Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI)
• Workstation set-up
• Time management
• Stress management
• Employee wellness solutions including group fitness activities
• Healthy living education
• Back care education
• Employee sick leave

Our Consultants assist clients to become more employable by helping the client to identify occupational options and effective job search strategies as well as prepare resumes and cover letters. This is particularly effective when a client no longer has a job in which to return such as from downsizing, or the client is unable to return to their own occupation due to injury or illness.

Studies have shown that companies who use disability management consulting services are three times more successful in returning employees back to the workplace following injury or illness (Watson Wyatt Work Study). Our goal is the same as yours — to get injured or ill employees healthy and back to the workplace while ensuring they receive the most appropriate and cost-effective treatment methods available.

We meet with the employee’s treatment providers to coordinate treatment plans that help meet our shared goal. Case Management/Disability Management Counsulting helps to enhance your cost management while offering the support and encouragement employees need to increase their potential for recovery and return to work.

When an employee is ready to return to work, we develop a return to work plan which is supported by the employee, employer and the employee’s treating Physician. We monitor the employee on a regular basis and maintain contact with the employer during the return to work program to ensure success.

Cognitive Rehabilitation/Concussion Management Services including Functional Cognitive Screening and Services for Clients with Traumatic Brain Injuries and ADHD.

Our therapists offer a variety of services aimed at addressing the cognitive, emotional and behavioural issues often experienced after injuries such traumatic brain injuries or with conditions such as strokes or mental health issues. Our services include:
• Cognitive screening using a functional approach
• Provision of rehabilitation services including memory compensation strategies
• Assessment of care/equipment needs
• Attendant training
• Coordination of ongoing rehabilitation
• Vocational counselling

Harbourside Rehabilitation Solutions offers mental health counselling to our clients. Our Consultants can provide guidance in the areas of stress management strategies, activity scheduling, relaxation and socialization. The services can be delivered one-on-one or in a group setting. The one-on-one service is beneficial for increasing the daily function and activity level of clients with a variety of mental health issues including depression, anxiety, stress-related illness and individuals with other mental health disorders. Group settings can be brought to the workplace with a goal of decreasing illness or lost time at work due to mental health issues.