Workers Occupational Readiness Center (W.O.R.C.)

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The WORC Program…More than just PT!
Our mission is to assist business and industry in the return of the injured employee to work earlier and to decrease the chances of re-injury. The WORC Program provides a link between the injured worker, the medical community, caseworkers, the insurance carrier and the employer.

One of HPT’s specialty programs, WORC is more than a “work hardening program” and much more than “physical therapy”. WORC utilizes a team approach to assess the worker and develops valid and practical work simulations. Our focus is on case resolution.
When admitted to the program the injured worker attends WORC up to eight hours per day, five days per week, for an average of four weeks, meeting requirements much like those of their regular job. We work to establish an environment that is not pain-focused by utilizing a team approach the employer, caseworker, employee and family. Communication and reestablishing the worker role for the individual is the key to a smooth transition back to work.
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The WORC Program is a three-phased process that establishes an environment focus on productivity and includes:
I. Assessment/Planning
II. Conditioning/Work Simulation and Work Hardening
III. Evaluation/Disposition

Phase I - Assessment / Planning

The WORC program team assesses the worker’s present level of health and physical ability through:

• Physical Examination & Functional Capacity Evaluation using the Matheson System and performed by a Licensed Physical Therapist
• Interview and Information Gathering
• Heart Rate Monitoring
• Lifting Assessment
• Validity Testing
• Range of Motion

A Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) is an intensive short-term evaluation that focuses on major physical tolerances abilities related to musculoskeletal strength, endurance, speed and flexibility. It is a systematic approach using evaluation instruments whose reliability and validity have been determined through peer-reviewed research and that are available in the public domain. This type of evaluation had traditionally been used by the medical and vocational communities and is now gaining rapid acceptance among the employer and human resources communities. This evaluation gathers data used to determine physical effort and employability.
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A Licensed Physical Therapist conducts the Functional Capacity Evaluation. This test can be an independent test used for disability ratings also. After the Assessment Phase is completed, there is team staffing from which a report is generated. The report consists of the team’s conclusions, recommendations, and acceptance or rejection of the worker, based on admission criteria.

Phase II - Conditioning and Work Simulation

Work Conditioning is an intensive, goal oriented treated program specifically designed to restore an individual’s systemic, neurological, musculoskeletal (strength, endurance, movement, flexibility and more control), and cardiopulmonary functions. The objective of the Work Conditioning program is to restore the client’s physical capacity and function to the extent that he can return to work.

• There is less hands-on acute therapy.
• The programs are usually half-day programs.
• Best for early referrals or referrals with uncomplicated psychological or vocational status.
• The therapist is more a coach and teacher.
• Coaching will have specific functional or performance-based goals.
• Uses exercise, aerobic conditioning education and limited work tasks.
• Cost effective

Work Hardening is a program that is interdisciplinary in nature, which uses conditioning tasks that are graded to progressively improve the biomechanical, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, metabolic and psychosocial functions of the individual in conjunction with real or simulated work activities. Work hardening provides a transition between acute care and return to work while addressing the issue of productivity, safety, physical tolerances and work behaviors. Work Hardening is highly structured, goal oriented, individualized treat program designed to maximize the individual’s ability to return to work.

• ​Uses work simulation as the primary component.
• Best for those with complex psychological or vocational problems.
• Emphasizes activity control of symptoms.
• Usually a full day program.
• Cost effective.
• More comprehensive.

​Phase III - Evaluation and Disposition

Prior to completion of the Conditioning/Work Simulation Phase, the worker is re-evaluated to determine the demand level and any limitations that may be present. Modifications are recommended and a job site visit is completed unless an adequate job description is available. At this time, the worker is ready to return to work at his pre-injury level.
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Throughout the program contact is maintained with the employer, referring agency, and the referring physician. If at anytime in the program the individual appears to be unable to reach his work demand levels to return to his pre-injury job, the referring agency is contacted as soon as possible with recommendations.

WORC Program Staff

The WORC Program staff has graduated from accredited schools with approved curriculum in physical therapy. We are licensed in these fields as required by West Virginia State Law. We have been providing Work Hardening for over 20 years. We have participated in continuing education courses recognized as essential for Functional Capacity Evaluations and Work Hardening.

WORC Program Facilities

Space is dedicated to work simulation tasks, education, motivation sessions, Nutritional group sessions, gymnasium, aquatic therapy, and videotaping.

WORC Program
Progression Requirements

As the client’s “job,” he must report and attend the WORC program four to eight hours a day, five days a week, for one to four weeks. All policies must be adhered to or the client will be discharged for non-compliance. The length of time each individual remains in the program depends on goal achievement. All clients must have written authorization from their Workers Compensation insurance or another source for payment purposes.

Other WORC Programs

The WORC Staff has long been involved with assisting industry with providing documentation and assistance to met OSHA requirements and education of safety for all levels of employees.

​The following is a menu of services you may choose from to customize services that may meet your company’s needs:

• ADA Compliance Assistance
• Job Analysis with detailed physical job description
• Video Tapes of Jobs
• Development of Alternate Duty Programs
• Supervisory Training
• Back Schools
• Cumulative Trauma Prevention Training
• Pre-Work Stretching Programs
• Planning
• Health Fairs
• Health Risk Appraisal
• General Health Classes
• Payroll stuffers with information
• Consultation: Rehabilitation, phone, ADA, and OSHA
• Return to work services