Objective, data-driven job demand analysis to support hiring, return-to-work, and risk management decisions.

What Is a Physical Demands Description (PDD)?

A Physical Demands Description (PDD) provides a detailed breakdown of the specific physical requirements a worker must perform to do their job. PDDs focus on the physical components of work tasks, such as lifting, kneeling, fine finger movements, strength demands, and frequency of occurrence.

In addition to task-level demands, PDDs also document environmental demands and workplace conditions to provide a complete, objective profile of job requirements.

Why PDDs Are Critical for Hiring and Return-to-Work

The primary goal of a PDD is to objectively define the physical attributes required of a worker to safely and successfully perform all tasks of a job.

• Supports safe and informed hiring decisions
• Assists physicians with work restriction determinations
• Improves return-to-work and job placement outcomes
• Helps reduce reinjury risk
• Strengthens workers’ compensation case documentation
• Provides defensible, third-party job demand data

U.S. Department of Labor Work Demand Classifications

Each PDD includes a Work Demand Classification based on U.S. Department of Labor definitions:

• Sedentary
• Light
• Medium
• Heavy
• Very Heavy

This classification provides standardized job demand language used by healthcare providers, case managers, and insurers.

Our Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE) Approach

A Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE) from The Ergonomics Center conducts on-site surveillance and data collection to ensure PDDs are accurate, objective, and defensible.

In addition to completing the PDDs, our team may also provide general ergonomic recommendations to help mitigate common risk factors. However, formal ergonomic screening and deep-dive analysis are recommended when risk confirmation and prioritization are required.

What’s Included in a PDD Evaluation

Each Physical Demands Description is developed using a structured, evidence-based process that may include:

• Discussion of job tasks with employees and/or company representatives
• Observation of all aspects of tasks performed or simulated
• Direct observation of actual job performance
• Collection of critical workplace parameters
• Measurement of force, repetition, postures, and environmental factors
• Videotaping of job tasks
• Use of hand and finger dynamometers for strength measurement
• Use of force gauges to assess push/pull demands

Data Analysis & Final PDD Development

All collected data are carefully reviewed and analyzed to generate a detailed Physical Demands Description that includes:

• Task-based physical demand requirements
• Frequency and duration of exposures
• Environmental and workplace condition factors
• U.S. Department of Labor Work Demand Classification
• Objective documentation to support medical and administrative decision-making

Key Benefits of Physical Demands Descriptions

• Objective, third-party documentation
• Reduced return-to-work uncertainty
• Improved job placement decisions
• Stronger workers’ compensation support
• Enhanced communication between employers and healthcare providers
• Reduced legal and compliance risk

How PDDs Integrate with Other Ergonomics Services

Physical Demands Descriptions integrate seamlessly with Industrial Evaluations, Workers’ Compensation Support, Ergonomics Program Development, and Continuous Improvement Events to create a comprehensive, prevention-focused ergonomics strategy.