Description of sections

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
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