Endnotes

View category - Work Context

Skills and Competencies Taxonomy 2023 Version 1.0

Physical, environmental, and social factors that influence the nature of work.

Structural Job Characteristics

The components that define the structural aspect of the job.

Descriptor Definition
Consequence of Error The impact on outcomes of a mistake, which was not readily correctable, made by the worker.
Freedom to Make Decisions The job allows the worker to make decisions without supervision.
Frequency of Decision Making The job requires the worker to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization.
Impact of Decisions [Endnotes] The impact on the organization or colleagues of the decisions made by the worker (a decision should be understood as a conclusion or resolution reached after consideration).
Automation [Endnotes] The job requires operation, manipulation or handling of automated systems, processes or machines.
Precision [Endnotes] The job requires the worker to be exact or accurate.
Structured versus Unstructured Work The extent to which the job is structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals.
Tasks Repetition [Endnotes] The job requires repetitive tasks in the performance of work.
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment The job requires maintaining pace with the speed of the equipment, machines, or computers. This does not refer to always being occupied while in the position.
Time Pressure The job requires working under pressure, meeting strict deadlines or dealing with competing priorities.
Type of Work Schedules [Endnotes] The type of schedule usually required for the job.
Work Week Duration [Endnotes] Number of hours typically worked over a period of 7 days.
Competition [Endnotes] The job requires to compete against co-workers or to be aware of competitive pressure between them or between businesses within the same industry.

Physical Work Environment

The physical surroundings in which the worker performs their job.

Descriptor Definition
Dangerous Locations The job requires working in locations that are inherently treacherous and are potential sources of injury. Such work locations include among others, construction sites, underground sites, erected support structures, and marine environments.
Fire, Steam, Hot Surfaces The job requires being exposed to fire (rather than being exposed to flammable substances that may ignite), to emissions of steam or to intensely hot surfaces that are potential sources of injury.
Flying Particles, Falling Objects The job requires being exposed to flying particles and falling objects or materials in the work environment that pose the risk of bodily injury. Flying particles refer to particles such as wood chips, metal particles, and rock chips generated by the handling, crushing, grinding, rapid impact, or explosion of materials.
Hazardous Conditions The job requires being exposed to conditions that involves risks of accidents such as high voltage electricity, flammable material, or explosives.
Hazardous Equipment, Machinery, Tools The job requires working near or with equipment, instruments, machinery, or power/hand tools that may be a potential source of accident or injury.
High Places The job requires being exposed to elevated places such as poles, scaffolding, catwalks, or ladders longer than two meters in length.
Radiation The job requires being exposed to ionizing radiation such as X-rays and radioactive substances or non-ionizing radiation such as radio frequencies and infrared, ultraviolet or visible light that may affect health adversely.
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions The job requires working in confined space that requires getting into uncomfortable positions.
Skin Injury The job requires being exposed to the risks of minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings.
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment The job requires working in a closed vehicle or equipment (e.g., car, truck or heavy equipment).
In an Open Vehicle or Equipment The job requires working in an open vehicle or equipment (e.g., tractor).
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled The job requires working inside a building with controlled temperature and humidity conditions.
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled The job requires working inside a building where the temperature and humidity are not controlled (e.g., warehouse without heat).
Outside, Exposed to Weather [Endnotes] The job requires working outdoors and being subject to variations in weather conditions and seasonal weather patterns.
Outside, Under Cover [Endnotes] The job requires working outdoors, protected from variations in weather conditions and seasonal weather patterns by a covered space (e.g., structure with roof but no walls).
Physical Proximity The job requires performing tasks while being physically close to other people.
Biological Agents The job requires being exposed to bacteria, viruses and fungi that may cause illness due to direct or indirect contact.
Dangerous Chemical Substances The job requires being exposed to contaminants, such as pollutants, gases or dust, through inhalation, ingestion, or contact with skin.
Vibration The job requires being exposed to oscillating or quivering motion of the body while performing tasks.
Sound and Noise [Endnotes] The job requires being exposed to sound and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable, regardless of the equipment used by the workers.
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting The job requires working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions.
Extreme Temperatures [Endnotes] The job requires being exposed to very hot (above 32.2 °C) or very cold (below 0 °C) temperatures.
Odours The job requires being exposed to noxious, intense or prolonged odours.
Specialized Safety Equipment [Endnotes] The job requires wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection.
Standard Safety Equipment [Endnotes] The job requires wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats, or life jackets.

Physical Demands

The physical activities the job requires the worker to do.

Descriptor Definition
Bending or Twisting the Body The job requires leaning forwards or backwards or moving the body torsionally.
Climbing The job requires going up and down ladders, scaffolds, or poles.
Crawling The job requires moving in a prone position, with the body resting on or close to the ground, on the hands and knees.
Crouching The job requires powering the body stance by bending the legs.
Handling Material Manually [Endnotes] The job requires using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls (excluding mouse and keyboard).
Keeping or Regaining Balance The job requires maintaining your body in a steady position or recovering balance.
Kneeling The job requires positioning the body so that one or both knees rest on the floor.
Making Repetitive Motions The job requires repeating the same movement.
Sitting The job requires being in a position where the body weight is supported by the buttocks.
Standing The job requires maintaining an upright position supported by one’s feet.
Walking and Running The job requires lifting and setting down each foot in turn in order to move forward at a certain pace.
Reaching The job requires extending one or both arms to grasp or touch a person or an object.
Stooping The job requires standing or walking with an inclination of the head, body, or shoulders.
Keyboarding The job requires using a panel of keys for typing on an electronic device or computer.
Carrying The job requires holding things while moving.
Lifting The job requires raising an object using the hands and arms.
Pulling The job requires taking hold of an object to move it toward oneself.
Pushing The job requires exerting force in order to move an object forward.
Speaking The job requires conveying information in spoken language.
Visual Acuity The job requires distinguishing fine details in things or in the environment.

Interpersonal Relations

The human interactions required to perform the job.

Descriptor Definition
Conflict Situations [Endnotes] The job requires being confronted with disputes or disagreements with or between customers, employees, or other parties.
Contact with Others The job requires being in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) to perform tasks.
Coordinating or Leading Others The job requires providing guidance or direction to co-workers or subordinates in accomplishing work activities.
Deal With External Customers The job requires working with members outside of the organization, including clients and the public.
Work with Work Group or Team The job requires working with others in a group or team.
Deal with Physically Aggressive People The job requires dealing with individuals that have violent behaviour.
Dealing With Unpleasant or Angry People The job requires dealing with disagreeable, furious, or discourteous individuals.
Electronic Mail The job requires the use of an electronic communication device to send and receive messages.
Face-to-Face Discussions The job requires having in-person discussions with individuals or teams.
Written Communications The job requires producing administrative or creative written communications.
Public Speaking The job requires delivering speeches to an audience (a minimum of five persons).
Telephone The job requires communicating with others by using a telephone or hand-held radios.
Videoconference The job requires using videoconference software to participate in meetings and conversations.
Responsibility for Outcomes and Results of Other Workers The job requires assuming the responsibility for the end product and effects of other workers’ work.
Responsible for Others' Health and Safety The job requires ensuring the health, safety and security of others.
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