Making Safety Simpler

BCCSA

Physical Demands Analysis

Musculoskeletal Injury (MSI) and Ergonomics

What is a Physical Demands Analysis (PDA)? 

A Physical Demands Analysis (PDA) is a detailed written breakdown that describes all the physical activities and body movements required to safely perform a specific job (e.g., how much lifting, bending, reaching, and walking a specific role does during their workday). A good PDA includes all the tasks a worker performs and provides a clear summary of physical demands that can be easily understood by someone unfamiliar with the job. 

Are the PDA examples below ready to use as is? No, the PDA examples provided below are templates only. You must edit them to match the actual work your company's positions perform.

What are some suggestions when creating a PDA? Observe workers doing the job, interview experienced workers, and review with your Joint Health and Safety Committee or Worker Safety Representative.

What physical demand categories should I include in a PDA?

  1. Mobility: sitting, standing, walking, crawling, crouching, climbing
  2. Posture: bending, twisting, reaching with neck, back, and shoulders 
  3. Gripping: types of grip needed, especially repetitive gripping
  4. Manual Handling: lifting, pushing, pulling, carrying (including weights and distances)

How should I show frequency in a PDA? Show how often each activity happens (percentage of shift or hours per day).

What optional additions can I include in a PDA? You can add work hours and shifts, photos of work positions, required PPE/tools, work environment details, and health and safety exposures.

What are the directions when completing a PDA? 

  1. List all tasks the worker does
  2. Identify physical demands for each task (mobility, posture, gripping, handling)
  3. Record how often each demand happens
  4. Combine frequencies when the same demand appears in multiple tasks
  5. Review to ensure it covers the complete job
  6. Observe workers doing the job, interview experienced workers, and review with your Joint Health and Safety Committee or Worker Safety Representative

 

Contact a BCCSA Regional Safety Advisor if you have any questions or would like assistance developing PDA’s.

 

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