HR managers developing job descriptions often face a tough question: What is the best way to list special job qualifications—such as mental, physical, or environmental job requirements—without running afoul of the law?
Some job description writers are reluctant to list such requirements for fear that doing so might discriminate against an individual with a disability who is otherwise qualified for the job.
Actually, the opposite may be true—when special requirements are listed candidly and accurately in the job description, the listing will be the backbone of your defense against discrimination lawsuits.
Examples of typical special requirements would be:
- A material handler who does not have access to powered material handling equipment may have to use a hand truck. It would require physical agility and strength to load the hand truck and to push it through the factory or distribution center.
- A computer programmer who is charged with developing software programs would require significant mental abilities to reason through the sequence of steps to develop the computer program.
- A person who operates a snow blower at an airport will be exposed to severe environmental conditions in winter.
- A press operator in a metal stamping plant must be able to wear hearing protection.
Here, from BLR’s popular Job Descriptions Encyclopedia, is a checklist to help you accurately determine any special demands of a job.
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Physical Requirements
|
Skill/Ability: |
Is the employee required to: |
|
__Sitting (a typical requirement for the job of assembler) |
Sit for extended periods of time without being able to leave the work area? |
|
__Standing (typical for supermarket cashier) |
Remain on his or her feet in an upright position for continuous periods of time without being able to leave the work area? |
|
__ Climbing (typical for millwright) |
Climb ladders or scaffolding? Work in overhead areas, as when repairing warehouse ventilator fans? |
|
__ Walking (typical for messenger) |
Walk considerable distances in the facility during the course of his or her work? |
|
__ Lifting (typical for construction laborer) |
Raise or lower objects from one level to another regularly during the shift? |
|
__ Pulling and/or Pushing (typical for material handler) |
Exert force up to ________ pounds to move an object to or away from the employee? |
|
__ Carrying (typical for a nurse or a material handler) |
Carry objects in his or her arms or on the shoulder(s)? |
|
__ Grasping (typical for an assembler) |
Pick up objects with fingers? |
|
__ Reaching (typical for a stock picker) |
Use the hands and arms to reach for objects? |
|
__ Stooping and Crouching (typical for a motor vehicle mechanic) |
Bend forward by bending at the waist or by bending legs and spine? |
|
__ Crawling (typical for mechanics, welders, those working in confined spaces) |
Work in a confined space? To crawl and move about on his or her hands and knees? |
|
__ Color Determination (typical for a printing press operator) |
Use color determination vision (have no color blindness)? |
|
__ Near Acuity (typical for electrical assemblers) |
Have clear vision at a given distance, with or without corrective lenses? |
|
__ Speaking (typical for a salesperson) |
Express ideas by the spoken word? |
|
__ Listening (typical for a customer service representative) |
Perceive speech or the nature of sounds in the air? |
|
__ Tasting or Smelling (typical for a fragrance tester or food sample tester) |
Distinguish differences in quality of flavors and/or odors, using tongue and/or nose? |
Prewritten job descriptions in the Job Descriptions Encyclopedia now come with pay grades already attached. Click here to try the program at no cost.
In tomorrow’s Advisor, we’ll share three important job description warnings, look at mental and environmental requirements, and get an introduction to a program that solves your job description challenges once and for all.
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