Since the 1980’s, work function assessment technology has slowly grown from simple load cell recording devices to comprehensive computer integrated testing systems. Research conducted by Simwork Systems, Inc. and its partners in the United States, Canada and Europe has produced a new generation assessment tool. That tool is the Sapphire™ Work Assessment System. The Sapphire™ is available in three versions, a comprehensive Wall Mount version, a Portable work assessment version, and an Portable Upper Extremity Testing version. The Sapphire™ Wall Mount and Portable versions use less than 25 square feet of floor space and measures 15 work demands defined by the U.S. and Canadian Departments of Labor. These include dynamic lift strength, carrying strength, static lift, push and pull strength, standing, walking, forward and overhead reach, stooping, kneeling and crouching work positions, handling and fingering hand functions. As a bonus, the Sapphire™ measures functional finger pinch and hand grip strength, as well as wrist flexion and extension strength and forearm pronation and supination strength. The assessment protocols are operated by a single touch screen computer. The assessment routines incorporated in the system were developed over a 20 year period by principals at Simwork Systems for the system. Input from Canadian, European and American researchers has resulted in this new work function assessment tool. The core of the Sapphire™ technology is a patent pending work simulation “smart device” design available exclusively to Simwork Systems and its partners. Smart device components operate using their own internal microprocessor. This allows each test device to operate with any standard Windows computer. Each smart device can be used by itself or as part of an comprehensive integrated assessment system.
The Sapphire™ Product Line
Summary
- Complete systems cover:
- 15 work demands defined by the Department of Labor are measured.
- 21 work related tests are provided plus the ability to create custom tests:
|
Strength Tests
(Coefficient of Variation)
|
Performance Tests
(MTM)
|
|
Static Lift strength
|
Dynamic Lift strength
|
| Push and pull strength |
Carrying strength |
| Pinch strength |
Finger Dexterity |
| Grip strength |
Handling dexterity |
| Wrist flexion strength |
Forward reach |
| Wrist extension strength |
Overhead reach |
| Forearm pronation strength |
Standing-Bending, Stooping |
| Forearm supination strength |
Kneeling, Crouching |
- Upper Extremity system covers:
- 8 work demands defined by the Department of Labor are measured.
- 13 work related tests are provided plus the ability to create custom tests:
|
Strength Tests
(Coefficient of Variation)
|
Performance Tests
(MTM)
|
| Pinch strength |
Finger Dexterity |
| Grip strength |
Handling dexterity |
| Wrist flexion strength |
|
| Wrist extension strength |
|
| Forearm pronation strength |
|
| Forearm supination strength |
|
- Computer Software:
- The W.S.S. allows evaluators to create any test or test protocol, based on client and/or job demands.
- Real-time data collection builds the final report that is generated before the client even leaves the facility.
- Client and evaluator get instant feedback on test results and performance.
- Computer voice and photographs ensure that protocols are completely objective.
- Report Format:
- W.S.S. reports are concise, specific and functionally orientated and address specific needs, including:
- Summary of Work Related Abilities: defines work abilities in a grid format and compares the client’s abilities with general or specific job demands.
- Participation Summary: identifies consistency of participation in easy to understand quantitative and qualitative data.
Features
- Measurement areas:
- FCE/FCA routines.
- Pre-employment/ADA testing.
- Work conditioning and hardening.
- Treatment tracking measurement.
- Easy and intuitive to use:
- Voice commands and photographs guide the user and the client through the program.
- Voice and photograph instructions insure objectivity is maintained.
- Touch screen technology to operate the protocols.
- Maintenance and set up are incredibly simple.
- Standard USB connections are used to connect each device to the computer.
- Routines are customizable to meet each market and treatment requirement.
- “ERGOS® Informed consent” methods are used to assure that all tests are safe and defendable.
- Reports:
- Full color detailed reports:
- Test summaries.
- Test details.
- Work day capacity.
- Performance versus job requirements.
- Extensive comments section and WYSIWYG editor.
- A4 and Letter paper sizes.
- Reports can be saved in PDF so they can be emailed to referral sources.
- Compatibility:
- Designed for Windows XP SP2 or Windows Vista Business (included in our complete system).
- All Sapphire™ Work Assessment Systems' components and are interchangeable.
- Upgradable to each of the other systems at any time.
- Requirements:
- Wall mounted system: 4' x 7' available floor space.
- Portable system: 4' x 4' available floor space.
- Upper extremity tests: Table top or desk.
- Please contact us for wall requirements.
- Standard electrical outlet.
- 15 foot run for dynamic carry protocol.