What is Work Hardening?


Individuals who have been off work on short or long term disability
may require special support before returning to work. A work
hardening program is specifically designed to provide such
individuals with a "bridge back to work."

Work hardening is a structured, goal oriented, customized program
designed to return an individual to work. It is an individualized
process that involves a client in simulated or actual work tasks.

The goal is to improve the client's occupational performance skills
to enable the safe, productive, return of the worker to the
workplace.

Tasks are structured and graded progressively to increase
psychological, physical, and emotiuonal tolerance. The tasks are
geared to improve stamina, enhance productivity, and facilitate
work feasibility.