What is a Functional Capacity Assessment and Why is it Important?

Functional Capacity Assessments, often referred to as FCAs, are a valuable tool for understanding whether a person can safely perform the physical demands of a specific role. They are commonly used during pre employment screening, return to work planning, and injury management.

An FCA focuses on what a person can do, rather than on medical diagnoses alone. This makes it a practical and objective assessment for employers and employees alike.

What is a Functional Capacity Assessment?

A Functional Capacity Assessment evaluates an individual’s ability to complete job specific physical tasks. The assessment is designed around the inherent requirements of the role and may include both observation and measurable testing.

Typical components of an FCA include

• Musculoskeletal range of motion

• Joint stability and integrity

• Strength and endurance

• Balance and coordination

• Postural control

• Lifting, pushing, and pulling capacity

• Grip strength

Tasks are selected to closely reflect real workplace demands.

When is an FCA Used?

FCAs are commonly used in several situations. During pre employment screening, they help determine whether a candidate can safely meet the physical requirements of a role. In return to work scenarios, they assist in determining readiness to resume duties after injury.

They are also valuable for identifying suitable duties, supporting injury prevention strategies, and guiding workplace modifications where required.

Benefits of Functional Capacity Assessments

For employers, FCAs reduce uncertainty. They provide clear, objective information to guide hiring and workforce decisions. This helps lower injury risk, improve role matching, and support compliance with workplace health and safety obligations.

For workers, FCAs ensure expectations are clear and realistic. They reduce the risk of aggravating existing conditions and support sustainable participation in work.

FCA at Darwin Health Group

At Darwin Health Group, Functional Capacity Assessments are tailored to each role and workplace. Components can be added or removed based on job demands, ensuring assessments are relevant, fair, and practical.

By focusing on function rather than assumptions, FCAs support safer hiring, smarter return to work planning, and healthier workplaces.

Functional Capacity Assessments provide practical insight into whether a person can safely meet the physical demands of their role.

At Darwin Health Group, our FCAs are customised to reflect real workplace tasks and can be used for pre employment screening, return to work planning, or injury prevention.

Explore our Functional Capacity Assessment services or get in touch with our team to see how an FCA can support safer work outcomes.