At Mobile Health, we understand that workplace injuries remain a significant challenge across industries, with 2.57 million nonfatal injuries reported in private industries in 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Even more concerning, 5,283 fatal work-related injuries occurred in 2023, emphasizing the need for proactive safety measures. Physical Abilities Testing (PATs) serves as a powerful tool to minimize these risks by ensuring employees are physically capable of performing their job duties safely and effectively.
What is Physical Abilities Testing (PAT)?
Physical Abilities Testing assesses a candidate’s or employee’s strength, endurance, flexibility, and other physical capabilities to determine whether they can safely meet the job’s demands. PATs are especially valuable in industries requiring heavy lifting, repetitive movements, or high physical exertion, such as:
- Manufacturing
- Construction
- Healthcare
- Warehouse and logistics
- Public safety (firefighters, police officers, EMS personnel)
By implementing PATs as part of a pre-employment screening or post-injury return-to-work process, we help employers reduce the likelihood of musculoskeletal injuries, decrease workplace accidents, and lower workers’ compensation claims.
The Impact of PATs on Workplace Safety
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Reducing Workplace Injuries
One of the leading causes of workplace injuries is overexertion, often due to employees performing tasks beyond their physical capabilities. In fact, this accounted for over 21% of workplace injuries in 2024. Our PATs mitigate this risk by ensuring only qualified individuals are placed in physically demanding roles. By aligning workers’ abilities with job demands, companies can prevent common injuries such as:
- Sprains and strains
- Lower back injuries
- Slip, trip, and fall incidents
- Repetitive motion disorders
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Lowering Workers’ Compensation Costs
Workplace injuries not only impact employees but also place a significant financial burden on employers. The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates that workplace injuries cost U.S. businesses billions annually in medical expenses, lost productivity, and workers’ compensation claims. Our PATs help reduce these costs by preventing injuries before they occur.
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Improved Productivity and Workforce Longevity
Healthy employees are productive employees. When workers are physically fit for their job duties, they experience less fatigue, perform tasks more efficiently, and are less likely to suffer from chronic pain or injuries that could shorten their careers. Employers who incorporate PATs into their hiring and safety programs see improvements across employee retention, job performance and even workplace morale.
At Mobile Health, we specialize in delivering customized PAT programs designed to meet industry-specific demands. Our team works closely with employers to ensure workplace safety and compliance with regulatory standards.
Physical Abilities Testing plays a critical role in reducing workplace injuries, cutting costs, and improving overall workforce health. As workplace safety remains a priority, PATs provide a proactive approach to ensuring employees are physically capable of performing their roles safely. With millions of workplace injuries reported annually, implementing PATs is not just an option, it’s a necessity for businesses that prioritize safety, productivity, and employee well-being.
To learn more about how Mobile Health can support your workplace with PATs, get in contact with our team.
