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  • 1.  ORS Strength Level Classification

    Posted 09-14-2022 12:52
    The ORS has changed the definition for Sedentary work as follows:

    • Lifting or carry is up to 10 lb. on no more than a seldom or occasional basis AND
    • Less and or equal to 1/3 of the day is spent standing
    Source: ORS, U.S. BLS, 2022

    Strength levels
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    Strength levels
    The Occupational Requirements Survey (ORS) publishes job-related information on physical demands; environmental conditions; education, training, and experience; as well as cognitive and mental requirements. The job requirements reflect those necessary for workers to perform critical tasks in support of the critical job functions, and not the capabilities of individual workers.
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    The ORS has eliminated consideration for use of arm/hand controls, leg/foot controls, and production pace work as a consideration in distinguishing work between Sedentary and Light which has been operationally defined by the Dictionary of Occupational Titles from the U.S. DOL for over 40 years.

    L-Light Work -
    Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly (Constantly: activity or condition exists 2/3 or more of the time) to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Sedentary Work. Even though the weight lifted may be only a negligible amount, a job should be rated Light Work: (1) when it requires walking or standing to a significant degree; or (2) when it requires sitting most of the time but entails pushing and/or pulling of arm or leg controls; and/or (3) when the job requires working at a production rate pace entailing the constant pushing and/or pulling of materials even though the weight of those materials is negligible. NOTE: The constant stress and strain of maintaining a production rate pace, especially in an industrial setting, can be and is physically demanding of a worker even though the amount of force exerted is negligible.

    Source: Appendix C: Components of the Definition Trailer - DOT Dictionary of Occupational Titles
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    Appendix C: Components of the Definition Trailer - DOT Dictionary of Occupational Titles
    DOT Dictionary of Occupational Titles Job Description - www.occupationalinfo.org
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    Based on current ORS Data:

    28.8% of Heavy Truck Driver jobs are classified as Sedentary work.
    67.9% of School Bus Driver jobs are classified as Sedentary. 

    I believe the method the ORS is using for classification of Sedentary work is flawed. As a DOT medical examiner for the FMCSA being familiar with the physical demands of commercial truck/bus driving, I have never found a commercial truck/bus driving job as requiring only a Sedentary work demand.

    What are your thoughts?
    Should IARP bring these concerns to the ORS?



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    [Steve Allison], [PT, DPT, CME]
    [CEO]
    [sallisondpt@fcexpt.com]
    [Bossier City], [LA] [71112]
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  • 2.  RE: ORS Strength Level Classification

    Posted 09-14-2022 13:12
    My thoughts are I totally disagree with the driving characterization as sedentary and am truly concerned for claimants/clients who worked in production settings if ORS data replaces the DOT.  Something happened with the collection of this data that has made it flawed.  I do think those of us who have completed Job Analysis of these jobs should speak up.  I think the people who collected this data would be surprised how tired their arms and hands would be working at a production pace while seated. They would also find the  moving of hand and foot controls while operating a commercial vehicle to require a strength level greater than Sedentary.  The factors described in The Revised Handbook for Analyzing Jobs still apply.

    I wish they would have just spent the millions of dollars on updating the DOT.

    Best Regards,

    --
    Michele Erbacher, MS, CRC, ABVE/F
    Erbacher Rehabilitation & Consulting
    Cell:  (716) 807-6708