|
Luis Pérez-Cordero PD Rating
Specialist |
California
Permanent Disability Ratings WWW.PDRATINGS.COM Voice:
(415)-861-4040 |
Craig
Andrew. Lange Medical
Report Technician |
|
Sacramento/Central
California Fax #: (916) 848-3582 / Bay Area Fax #: (415)
276-3741 Southern California Fax #: (619) 374-7334
|
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Occupational Group Characteristics
DWC 11th Annual Educational Conference * S For
Original Documents presented at the Division of Workers Compensation 11th
Annual Conference: DWC Handout Materials -
11th Annual DWC Conference Significance of 3 Digits Numbers
In Section III
of The Schedule, Occupations & Group Numbers, you will find an alphabetical
listing of occupations and their related three-digit group numbers
with a corresponding industrial designation to distinguish it from other
occupations having the same title but whose
functions and activities differ. (From The Back to Basics Workbook – A Companion To The Rating
Schedule.) “The Schedule divides the labor
market into 44 numbered occupational groups.
Each group is assigned a three-digit code called an occupational group number.
The first digit of the code refers to the arduousness of the duties, the second digit separates occupations into broad
categories and the third digit differentiates between occupations within these groups.” Rating Schedule, page 1-5. 1st Digit - Arduousness Level
1.
Very Light 2.
Light 3.
Medium 4. Heavy 5. Very
Heavy 2nd Digit –
Occupational Categories 1. Professional, Technical, Clerical 2. Hand Intensive 3. Machine Operations 4. Attendants/Cleaners 5. Driving 6. Laborers, Material Handler 7. Mechanics, Installers, Repairers, Servicers 8. Construction 9.
Miscellaneous 3rd Digit – Essential
Functions Variations within a Category
The correct group
classification helps us determine the appropriate modifications for the
standard percentages of permanent disability. This is done to reflect the particular physical demands of any
given occupation for the disability in question. “If the occupation requires more than average use of the injured part,
the rating is modified upward; if the part is relatively less important, the
rating is decreased. In order to
make this adjustment, the appropriate occupational group must be determined.” Rating Schedule, page 1-5. The group number is based, not upon a
"title", but rather, upon the duties and functions performed within
a given group classification. The
group classification for a general type of occupation considers characteristics
dealing with the level of arduousness, standing/sitting requirements, demands
addressing functions of both the upper and lower extremities, the spine,
vision, hearing, etc. Generally, it considers the demands of the essential
functions of the job. è
It is the ‘essential functions’ and activities of an occupation
within a given industry that take precedent over the occupational title. A Job Analysis, an
RU-91 or An Essential Functions Job Description is crucial in
helping the treating and/or evaluating physician identify work-related
factors. It is of extreme importance in the proper determination of the
occupational group numbers. “The Dictionary of Occupational Titles
(DOT), compiled by the US Department of Labor, was used extensively in the
preparation of the Schedule and will frequently be of assistance in
determining the functions of various occupations.” Rating Schedule, page 1-14 |
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|
Luis Pérez-Cordero PD Rating
Specialist |
California
Permanent Disability Ratings WWW.PDRATINGS.COM Voice:
(415)-861-4040 |
Craig
Andrew. Lange Medical
Report Technician |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Sacramento/Central
California Fax #: (916) 848-3582 / Bay Area Fax #: (415)
276-3741 Southern California Fax #: (619) 374-7334
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The Mechanics of
Rating
Determining The Occupational Variant
(From The
Back to Basics Workbook – A Companion To The Rating Schedule.) |
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|
Luis Pérez-Cordero PD Rating
Specialist |
California
Permanent Disability Ratings WWW.PDRATINGS.COM Voice:
(415)-861-4040 |
Craig
Andrew. Lange Medical
Report Technician |
|
Sacramento/Central
California Fax #: (916) 848-3582 / Bay Area Fax #: (415)
276-3741 Southern California Fax #: (619) 374-7334
|
||
The Mechanics of
Rating
Determining The Occupational Variant
(From The
Back to Basics Workbook – A Companion To The Rating Schedule.) |
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Section #4 of The Schedule, "Occupational
Variant Tables" correlates the disability numbers with an
occupational group classification and indicates which of eight (8) possible
variants (“C” through “J”) applies. Consideration is given to the degree of
seriousness of the effects of a disability on the occupational group
classification under consideration. Occupations
are assigned a modifying letter, reflecting the level of seriousness of a
particular injury upon that occupation. The effects of an injury on any given
occupation are not necessarily "standardized" as usually reflected
by a Flat Rate Schedule, such as the AMA Guidelines for the Evaluation of
Permanent Impairment. ·
A “Flat Rate Schedule” usually takes
into consideration only the physical disability factors of an injury. ·
Different occupations are affected differently by the residual
disability or handicap resulting from an industrial injury. “The theory is that for any particular disabling condition, the
effect on the individual’s ability to compete for
employment can be markedly influenced by both occupation and age.” [Schedule, page 1-3.] There Are Eight Alphabetical Modifiers
Ranging From The Letter
"C" to the letter "J" è
“C” through “E” Modify the standard percentage of disability
downward. è
“F”
Defines
the midpoint of the alphabetical modifiers. è “G” through “J”
Modify
the standard percentage of disability upwards. “These
tables are designated so that variant ‘F’ represents average demands for the
particular disability being rated, with letters ‘C’ to ‘E’ representing
progressively lesser demands, and letters ‘G’ through ‘J’ reflecting
progressively higher demands.” [Schedule, page 1-6.]
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Occupational Group Characteristics
S For
Original Documents presented at the Division of Workers Compensation 11th
Annual Conference: |
|
Occupational Group Characteristics
|
Disability & Weighted Occupational
Variant |
Group 110
Professional
Occupations
·
Some use of keyboards but less than 112 or 112;
greater standing and walking demands than 112 and 120. ·
Typical
occupations: Lawyer, Loan Officer, Urban Planner |
Spine C Shoulder C Elbow D Wrist D Finger motion F Grip D Leg D Psych J |
Occupational Group Characteristics
S For
Original Documents presented at the Division of Workers Compensation 11th
Annual Conference: |
||
Occupational Group Characteristics
|
Disability & Weighted Occupational
Variant |
|
Group
111
Professional & Clerical Occupations ·
Substantial use of
keyboards; greater demands for standing and walking than 112 and 120. ·
Typical
occupations: Accountant, Claims Clerk, Reservations Agent |
Spine C Shoulder D Elbow F Wrist G Finger
motion G Grip E Leg D Psych I |
|
Group
112
Mostly Clerical Occupations
·
Highest demand for use of
keyboard; prolonged sitting. ·
Typical
occupations: Billing Clerk, Computer Keyboard Operator, Secretary |
Spine D Shoulder D Elbow G Wrist H Finger
motion I Grip E Leg C Psych I |
|
Group
120
Most Technical
Occupations
·
Precision work requiring
skill and dexterity; use of hand tools; more sitting than 110 and 111. ·
Typical
occupations: Electrical drafter, Illustrator, Jeweler |
Spine D Shoulder E Elbow G Wrist H Finger
motion H Grip F Leg C Psych I |
|
Group
210
Mostly
Professional Occupations ·
Extensive speech and
hearing; standing and sitting; may require driving to business locations;
other physical demands at the lower end of the light category. ·
Typical
occupations: Actor, Announcer. Clergy member |
Spine D Shoulder C Elbow D Wrist D Finger
motion E Grip C Leg E Psych I |
|
Group
211
Mostly
Clerical Occupations ·
Emphasis on frequent fingering,
handling, and possibly some keyboard work; spine and leg demands similar to
210. ·
Typical
occupations: Bank clerk, Inventory clerk, License clerk |
Spine D Shoulder D Elbow F Wrist G Finger
motion G Grip E Leg E Psych H |
|
Occupational Group Characteristics
S For
Original Documents presented at the Division of Workers Compensation 11th
Annual Conference: |
|
Occupational Group Characteristics
|
Disability & Weighted Occupational
Variant |
Group
212
Mostly Professional and Medical Occupations ·
Work predominantly
performed indoors, but may require driving to locations of business; less use
of hands than 211; slightly higher demands on spine than 210 & 211. ·
Typical occupations: Chemist, Dialysis Technician, Secondary
School Teacher
|
Spine E Shoulder E Elbow E Wrist F Finger
motion F Grip E Leg E Psych J |
Group 213
Mostly Professional
Occupations ·
Work performed indoors and outdoors; occasional
climbing and uneven ground required, therefore spine and legs have slightly
higher variants for this strength level. ·
Typical occupations: Airplane Inspector, Meter Reader, Property
Manager |
Spine F Shoulder E Elbow E Wrist E Finger motion F Grip E Leg F Psych I |
Group 214
Clerical (physically
active) Occupations; Educators, &
Retail Sales Occupations ·
Very high demand for
speech, hearing and vision; ·
High demand for fingering and handling; spine and ·
Leg demands at highest level for 200 series. ·
Typical occupations: Auto Shop Estimator, Elementary School
Teacher, Retail Sales Clerk |
Spine F Shoulder F Elbow F Wrist G Finger motion G Grip F Leg F Psych I |
Group 220
Fine precision Occupations in
medical, electronic and optical industries ·
Very high demands for vision; high demands for hand
activity – use of hand tools; highest variants in this strength category for
fingering and arm Disabilities. ·
Typical occupations: Dental Hygienist, Instrument Maker &
Repairer, Surgeon |
Spine E Shoulder F Elbow G Wrist H Finger motion H Grip F Leg E Psych J |
Occupational Group Characteristics
S For Original
Documents presented at the Division of Workers Compensation 11th
Annual Conference: |
|
Occupational Group Characteristics
|
Disability & Weighted Occupational
Variant |
Group 221
Light Assembly Occupations, Food
Preparation Occupations ·
Vision important; repetitive fingering and use of
hand tools; similar to 220 for all parts of body except for wrist and finger
motion which is one variant lower. ·
Typical occupations: Assembler, small products Inspector,
electronics Produce Sorter |
Spine E Shoulder F Elbow G Wrist G Finger motion G Grip F Leg E Psych F |
Group 230
Machine
Operator and Tenders ·
Average demands for this strength level on spine
and legs; hand activities are most significant. ·
Typical occupations: Bottle Packer, Circular Saw
Operator’ Offset Press Operator
|
Spine E Shoulder F Elbow F Wrist F Finger motion G Grip G Leg E Psych F |
Group 240
Mostly Attendants (providing
services) ·
Minimal hand activities; low on arm activities;
average for 200 series on spine and legs. ·
Typical occupations: Host/Hostess, Parking Lot Attendant,
booth, Weight Reduction Specialist |
Spine E Shoulder D Elbow E Wrist E Finger motion E Grip D Leg E Psych G |
Group 250
Public Transportation Drivers &
Light Delivery Drivers ·
Operates light automotive equipment over public thoroughfares;
vision, hearing and other head disabilities important; highest variants for
spine and leg activities in 200 series (along with 213 & 214); grip
demands similar to 251. ·
Typical occupations: Parking Enforcement Officer, Subway Car
Operator, Taxi Driver |
Spine F Shoulder F Elbow G Wrist F Finger motion F Grip F Leg F Psych H |
Occupational Group Characteristics
S For
Original Documents presented at the Division of Workers Compensation 11th
Annual Conference: |
|
Occupational Group Characteristics
|
Disability & Weighted Occupational
Variant |
Group 251
Outside
Sales, Inspectors, & Business Agents (performing extensive driving to
reach business locations) ·
Work requires extensive driving of light automotive
equipment over public thoroughfares to reach business locations; vision,
hearing and other head disabilities important; average demand for spine and
leg activities for this strength level; arms are one variant lower that
250. ·
Typical occupations: Food & Drug Inspector, Real Estate
Agent. Sales, Rep. sporting goods |
Spine E Shoulder D Elbow F Wrist E Finger motion F Grip F Leg E Psych I |
Group 290
Personal
Attendants ·
Vision important; cosmetic appearance important; arms
variants at high end for 200 series. ·
Typical occupations: Hair Stylist |
Spine E Shoulder G Elbow G Wrist H Finger motion G Grip F Leg E Psych H |
Group 310
Medical Occupations ·
Low end of 300 series for most parts of body; head
disabilities, including speech, hearing, PTHS are highest in 300 series. ·
Typical occupations: Acupressurist, MRI Technologist, X-ray
Technologist |
Spine F Shoulder F Elbow F Wrist F Finger motion F Grip F Leg F Psych I |
Group 311
Mostly Medical
Occupations ·
Medical treatments performed result in higher spine
demands; head disabilities are at the highest levels. ·
Typical occupations: Masseur/Masseuse Nurse – LVN, Psychiatric
Technician |
Spine G Shoulder F Elbow G Wrist G Finger motion G Grip F Leg F Psych J |
Occupational Group Characteristics
S For Original
Documents presented at the Division of Workers Compensation 11th
Annual Conference: |
|
Occupational Group Characteristics
|
Disability & Weighted Occupational
Variant |
Group 320
Assemblers ·
Precision work requiring use of hand tools; highest
arm variants for the 320 series; lower end variants for 300 series for spine
& leg (same as 321 & 322); highest head variants in 320 series. ·
Typical occupations: Machinist, Office Machine Servicer,
Television & Radio Repairer |
Spine F Shoulder F Elbow H Wrist I Finger motion H Grip H Leg F Psych H |
Group 321
Assemblers ·
Use of hand tools required; precision requirements
less than 320 – arm variants slightly lower; same demand on spine and legs as
320 & 322. ·
Typical occupations: Furniture Assembler, Garment Cutter,
machine Painter, spray gun |
Spine F Shoulder F Elbow G Wrist H Finger motion G Grip G Leg F Psych F |
Group 322
Food
Preparation and Service Occupations ·
Least precise work in 320 series – arm variants the
lowest; spine & legs same as 320 & 321 ·
Typical occupations: Airline Flight Attendant, Cook,
Waiter/Waitress |
Spine F Shoulder F Elbow G Wrist G Finger motion G Grip G Leg F Psych G |
Group 330
Press
Operators, Sawyers, etc. ·
Most demanding on arms of machine operations series
(330s); spine and legs at lower end for 300 series, & same as 331 &
322. ·
Typical occupations: Blister Machine Operator, Power Press
Tender, Tubular Furniture Maker
|
Spine F Shoulder F Elbow G Wrist F Finger motion G Grip G Leg F Psych F |
Group 331
Machine Tending &
Processing ·
Observation and control of machinery; occasional
stooping required; mechanical adjustments performed; variants similar to 332. ·
Typical occupations: Coating Machine Op, Mixing Machine Op,
food prep; Washer, machine |
Spine F Shoulder F Elbow F Wrist F Finger motion F Grip F Leg F Psych F |
Occupational Group Characteristics
S For
Original Documents presented at the Division of Workers Compensation 11th
Annual Conference: |
|
Occupational Group Characteristics
|
Disability & Weighted Occupational
Variant |
Group 332
Observation
of Large Stationary Equipment ·
Work performed in a plant or other large facility,
some mechanical adjustments of machinery performed lowest variants for 300
series for most parts of body. ·
Typical occupations: Brewery Cellar Worker, Power Reactor
Operator, Stationary Engineer |
Spine F Shoulder F Elbow F Wrist E Finger motion F Grip F Leg F Psych G |
Group 340
Mostly
Cleaners ·
Work involves cleaning equipment and/or buildings;
operation of cleaning devices, some lifting, some climbing, lowest variants
for head disabilities of 300 series; lower end of 300 series for arms;
highest demands are for spine & leg activities ·
Typical occupations: Auto Washer & Polisher, Janitor, Nurse
Aide |
Spine G Shoulder F Elbow G Wrist F Finger motion F Grip F Leg G Psych D |
Group 341
Cleaners (working at high levels) ·
Work generally performed at high levels – higher
end of 300 series for spine & legs; average demands on arms. ·
Typical occupations: Aircraft Service Attendant, Sign Poster,
Window Cleaner |
Spine G Shoulder G Elbow G Wrist F Finger motion F Grip F Leg G Psych D |
Group 350
Truck
Drivers ·
Operate heavy vehicle over public thoroughfares;
may do some loading of materials, may tie down loads, may hook up hoses, etc.,
and performs related duties; head disabilities highest in 300 series. ·
Typical occupations: Armored Car Driver, Lunch Truck Driver,
Truck Driver
|
Spine G Shoulder F Elbow H Wrist F Finger motion G Grip G Leg G Psych H |
Occupational Group Characteristics
S For
Original Documents presented at the Division of Workers Compensation 11th
Annual Conference: |
|
Occupational Group Characteristics
|
Disability & Weighted Occupational
Variant |
Group 351
Heavy Equipment
Operators ·
Operates heavy construction equipment at work
sites; arm demands at lower end of 300 series; spine & leg demands at
higher end of 300 series. ·
Typical occupations: Crane Operator, Forklift Operator,
Snowplow Operator |
Spine G Shoulder G Elbow H Wrist G Finger motion G Grip G Leg G Psych G |
Group 360
Porters, Packers ·
Significant lifting and carrying required;
significant walking required; may occasionally climb at low levels; variants
are “G” for most parts of body; head disabilities are mostly “F” or lower. ·
Typical occupations: Clerk, Shipping; Conveyor Tender;
Warehouse worker |
Spine G Shoulder G Elbow G Wrist F Finger motion F Grip G Leg G Psych E |
Group 370
Mechanical
Assembly, Installation, Repairers ·
Mechanical work on automobiles, machinery and other
equipment, requiring a combination of some skill and significant physical
effort; highest variants in 300 series for arm and head disabilities ·
Typical occupations: Automobile Accessories Installer; Mechanic,
automobile; Welder, Combination |
Spine G Shoulder G Elbow I Wrist J Finger motion H Grip H Leg G Psych H |
Group 380
Skilled Construction
Work ·
Work requires construction of buildings or large
structure; strenuous demands on arms, legs & spine result in highest
variants in 300 series; significant climbing required. ·
Typical occupations: Burglar Alarm, Carpenter Electrician |
Spine H Shoulder H Elbow I Wrist J Finger motion H Grip H Leg I Psych H |
Occupational Group Characteristics
S For
Original Documents presented at the Division of Workers Compensation 11th
Annual Conference: |
|
Occupational Group Characteristics
|
Disability & Weighted Occupational
Variant |
Group 390
Security Officers,
Coaches ·
Inside and outside work requiring significant
walking, some uneven ground, and climbing –leg demands are most significant
aspect of duties; work may be high risk but not necessarily highly physical;
demands for arms & spine are at middle of 300 series. ·
Typical occupations: Bodyguard, Instructor, Physical education,
Security Officer |
Spine G Shoulder G Elbow G Wrist G Finger motion G Grip G Leg H Psych H |
Group 420
Meat Processing + ·
Heavy demands placed on arms; spine demand similar
to most in 400 series; leg demands lowest in 400 series. ·
Typical occupations: Baker, Butcher, Glass Cutter |
Spine H Shoulder G Elbow H Wrist I Finger motion G Grip H Leg G Psych F |
Group 430
Machine-assisted Metal
Shaping ·
Heavy demands on spine & legs in lifting &
carrying; work performed at ground level; requires use of heavy hand tools or
force with arms. ·
Typical occupations: Boilermaker, Power Brake Operator, Shear
Operator |
Spine H Shoulder H Elbow I Wrist H Finger motion H Grip H Leg H Psych G |
Group 460
Material Handlers & Machine
Loaders & Unloaders ·
Strenuous demands on spine & legs for lifting
and carrying heavy objects; lowest demand for specialized arm activities in
400 series. ·
Typical occupations: Baggage Handler, Chain Offbearer, Laborer,
general |
Spine H Shoulder G Elbow G Wrist G Finger motion F Grip G Leg H Psych E |
Occupational Group Characteristics
S For
Original Documents presented at the Division of Workers Compensation 11th
Annual Conference: |
|
Occupational Group Characteristics
|
Disability & Weighted Occupational
Variant |
Group 470
Installers &
Repairers Strenuous demands on all parts of body – variants
are at the higher end of the 400 series. Typical occupations: Household Appliance Installer, Maintenance
Mechanic, Television Technician |
Spine H Shoulder H Elbow I Wrist J Finger motion H Grip H Leg H Psych H |
Group 480
Construction Helpers, Oil Field
Workers & Some Skilled Construction Workers Heavy laboring work at construction sites or other
work sites; very strenuous use of spine for lifting and exerting force; heavy
demands on arms (similar to 492); leg requirements lower than for 481 &
492. Typical occupations: Carpenter Helper; Laborer, construction; Roughneck |
Spine I Shoulder H Elbow H Wrist G Finger motion G Grip G Leg H Psych E |
Group 481
Skilled Construction
Workers Work requires construction of buildings or large structures;
skilled work performed at various levels, with significant demands for
climbing, but lower demands on legs than 482; strenuous use of arms (same as
470). Typical occupations: Cable Television Installer, Millwright,
Pipe Fitter |
Spine I Shoulder H Elbow I Wrist J Finger motion H Grip H Leg I Psych H |
Group 482
Skilled
Construction Workers Construction and maintenance work performed at high
and dangerous levels – balance required; demands on spine & legs similar to
590; very strenuous use of arms. Typical
occupations: Bridge
Maintenance Worker, Grip (movie industry), Tree Trimmer |
Spine J Shoulder I Elbow J Wrist J Finger motion I Grip J Leg J Psych I |
Occupational Group Characteristics
S For
Original Documents presented at the Division of Workers Compensation 11th
Annual Conference: |
|
Occupational Group Characteristics
|
Disability & Weighted Occupational
Variant |
Group 490
Mostly Sworn Officers – Police &
Fire (legal presumptions apply) ·
Workers called upon to perform demanding activities
in unpredictable and dangerous circumstances; significant demands on all
parts of body. ·
Typical occupations: Fire Fighter, Paramedic. Police Officer |
Spine I Shoulder I Elbow I Wrist H Finger motion H Grip I Leg I Psych J |
Group 491
Agricultural &
Livestock Workers ·
Work requires tending the land and/or caring for
animals; physical demands & variants similar to 460 but slightly lower in
mental demands. ·
Typical occupations: Dog Catcher; Farmer, General; Gardener |
Spine H Shoulder G Elbow G Wrist G Finger motion F Grip G Leg H Psych D |
Group 492
Logging & Fishing Occupations
·
Very physical work performed outside; high demand
on spine & legs for balancing, working on rugged terrain, and climbing;
arm and other variants similar to 560. ·
Typical occupations: Bucker, Logger, all-round |
Spine I Shoulder H Elbow H Wrist H Finger motion G Grip H Leg I Psych E |
Group 560
Mostly Material Handlers ·
Requires lifting of large and/or very heavy objects
or exerting very significant force – very strenuous demands placed on spine
& legs. ·
Typical occupations: Ambulance Attendant; Furniture Mover;
Garbage Collector, manual |
Spine J Shoulder H Elbow H Wrist H Finger motion G Grip H Leg I Psych D |
Group 590
Mostly Professional
Athletes ·
Peak athletic performance requiring whole body
strength with specialized training and skills; highest variants for all parts
of the body. ·
Typical occupations: Athlete, professional; Stunt Performer |
Spine J Shoulder J Elbow J Wrist J Finger motion I Grip J Leg J Psych I |
Luis
Pérez-Cordero, MA, AAPMR Top of Page Home
Permanent Disability Rating
Specialist
Thursday,
March 04, 2004