Physical activities
For an occupational group that has an asterisk (*) in the Physical activities ratings, refer to the Remarks section of that group for an explanation.
Vision
The use of sight in the work performed. The levels are organized in terms of the visual field involved in the performance of the work.
1 – Close visual acuity
Some or all work activities are performed close to the worker. The scope of the visual field is confined and requires close attention to detail.
Occupations where one or more of the Main Duties require close visual acuity are coded at this level. Other Main Duties in the unit group may involve other types of vision – for example, Near and far vision (3) or Total visual field (4).
Examples:
- assembling micro-circuit boards
- machining to close tolerances
- cutting gems
- performing surgical procedures
2 – Near vision
Work activities are performed near the worker. The scope of the visual field is broader than in Close visual acuity (1).
Examples:
- reading and interpreting drawings and specifications
- using computer keyboards and reading computer monitors
- repairing automobile engines
- setting up and operating machine tools
3 – Near and far vision
Some work activities involve the monitoring of processes, objects or situations in the work environment that are far from the worker. Other work activities involve Near vision (2).
Examples:
- loading/unloading materials by hand or equipment
- installing shingles/tiles on roofs
- conducting surveys to establish legal property boundaries
- developing trading strategies by monitoring market conditions from the exchange floor
4 – Total visual field
Work activities involve the entire field of vision – Near and far vision (3) – as well as depth perception and peripheral vision.
Examples:
- driving vehicles
- refereeing sports events
- fighting fires
- dancing onstage in ballet performances
Colour discrimination
The use of colour discrimination to identify, distinguish and match colours and different shades of the same colours.
0 – Not relevant
Colour discrimination is not relevant in the performance of the work.
Examples:
- cleaning windows
- providing information over the telephone
- interviewing, hiring and overseeing staff training
- translating documents
1 – Relevant
Colour discrimination is relevant in the performance of the work.
Examples:
- observing signals while operating vehicles
- installing, testing and repairing electrical wiring
- restoring and conserving museum and art gallery artifacts
- designing, constructing and repairing dentures
Hearing
The use of hearing in the work performed. The levels are organized in terms of the type of auditory discrimination involved in the performance of the work.
1 – Limited
Hearing is limited to short and/or infrequent verbal interactions in order to perform the work.
Examples:
- typing and proofreading correspondence
- cutting and trimming meat, poultry and fish according to customers¿ orders
- carrying linen to and from laundry areas and running errands
- assisting mine workers in constructing underground installations
2 – Verbal interaction
Work activities involve communication with colleagues, clients and/or the public on a regular basis.
Examples:
- operating directory listing systems to provide directory assistance to customers
- resolving work problems and recommending measures to improve productivity
- consulting with families of the deceased regarding funeral services
- analyzing and providing advice on managerial methods and organization of establishments
3 – Other sound discrimination
Work activities involve the identification, assessment and/or production of sound. Verbal interaction (2) is included in this level.
Examples:
- leading bands, orchestras and choirs during musical rehearsals and performances
- administering audiometric tests to diagnose the degree of hearing impairment
- testing automotive systems and components using testing devices to isolate faults
- commanding fishing vessels by operating navigational instruments
Body position
Primary type of posture or body movement involved in performing the work. These postures or body movements range from simple to complex and from sedentary to mobile.
1 – Sitting
Work activities primarily involve sitting. Standing and/or walking (2) may occur but is incidental to the work being performed.
Examples:
- reading and editing copy to be published or broadcast
- preparing financial statements
- issuing aircraft take-off and landing instructions to pilot
- interviewing clients
2 – Standing and/or walking
Work activities primarily involve standing or walking.
Examples:
- cutting and styling hair
- dispensing prescribed medications to customers
- preparing and cooking meals
- delivering mail
3 – Sitting, standing, walking
This level involves work activities in combinations and varying degrees of Sitting (1) and Standing and/or walking (2).
Examples:
- teaching students through lectures, discussions, audio visual presentations and field studies
- assessing land values for taxation purposes
- ensuring that systems and equipment are operating efficiently on job sites
- supervising and co ordinating the activities of workers who cut or stitch fabric, fur or leather garments
4 – Other body positions
Work activities involve body postures other than, or in addition to, Sitting (1) and Standing and/or walking (2) such as bending, stooping, kneeling and crouching
Examples:
- performing labouring duties in warehouses
- measuring, cutting and installing carpeting
- adjusting, repairing or replacing parts and components of automotive systems
- treating patients¿ disorders of the spine and body through corrective manipulation
Limb co-ordination
The use of limbs in performing work.
0 – Not relevant
Work activities do not involve co-ordination of limbs.
Examples:
- counselling clients and providing therapy
- proofreading materials before publication
- greeting patrons at entrances to restaurant dining rooms
- responding to enquiries at an information desk
1 – Upper limb co-ordination
Work activities involve co-ordination of upper limbs.
Examples:
- keyboarding
- performing maintenance services such as oil changes, lubrications and tune ups
- operating video cameras
- instructing students in sign language
2 – Multiple limb co-ordination
Work activities are carried out by co-ordinating the movements of upper limb(s) simultaneously with lower limb(s).
Examples:
- digging ditches using shovels
- operating and driving automobiles, vans and trucks
- climbing and working aloft on poles, ladders or other support structures
- performing in figure skating competitions
Strength
The use of strength in the handling of loads such as pulling, pushing, lifting and/or moving objects during the work performed.
1 – Limited
Work activities involve handling loads up to 5 kg.
Examples:
- examining and analyzing financial information
- selling insurance to clients
- conducting economic and technical feasibility studies
- administering and marking written tests
2 – Light
Work activities involve handling loads of 5 kg but less than 10 kg.
Examples:
- repairing soles, heels and other parts of footwear
- filing materials in drawers, cabinets and storage boxes
- preparing and cooking meals
- repairing paintings and artifacts
3 – Medium
Work activities involve handling loads between 10 kg and 20 kg.
Examples:
- setting up and operating finishing machines or finishing furniture by hand
- measuring, cutting and applying wallpaper to walls
- adjusting, replacing or repairing mechanical or electrical components using hand tools and equipment
- operating film cameras to record live events
4 – Heavy
Work activities involve handling loads more than 20 kg.
Examples:
- operating and maintaining deck equipment and performing other deck duties aboard ships
- shovelling cement into cement mixers and assisting in the maintenance and repair of roads
- measuring, cutting and fitting drywall sheets for installation on walls and ceilings
- operating power saws to thin and space trees in reforestation areas