Our Experts
Alison Biggs
Orthopaedics, Functional Capacity Evaluation
Introduction
I qualified as an Occupational Therapist in 1993, since when I have specialised in the field of back pain, pain management, work rehabilitation and ergonomic assessment for many years.
Having conducted private practice for a number of years, I established Healthywork Ltd during 2001, focusing on Vocational Rehabilitation, Ergonomics and Manual Handling in the commercial sector. Clients include: Inland Revenue, NHS, The Post Office, NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland, Coutts, Direct Line, NIG, DHL, Metropolitan Police, Yakult, Sanyo, ARK Schools, Frank PR, Universal Edition, Sun Valley Foods, Capital International, HCML, Unum, Atos Healthcare, KMG and Remploy, Capita Health Solutions, Medicess, Kynixa, Proclaim Care and Argent Rehabilitation.
My role involves the following:
♦ Work site Ergonomic Assessments: An in-depth assessment conducted at the work place for individuals following a general Risk Assessment, where pain and discomfort are continuing to be experienced. Also conduct Ergonomic Assessments for the government Access to-work scheme.
♦ Functional Assessments: Also known as a Functional Capacity Evaluation of an individual’s physical abilities, using the Matheson system.
♦ Pre–employment Functional Assessments: a physical assessment before someone begins a new job.
♦ Job Demands Analysis: helps to establish the job demands by grading the task components in detail and looking at the processes.
♦ Work Rehabilitation & Return-to-Work advice: Advice for Employers to investigate the impact of sickness absence and to give support and case management advice to help staff get back to work successfully.
♦ Training programmes in Ergonomics / Manual Handling: In house training carried out with groups of staff. Manual Handling. Training can be for Industry or Healthcare settings.
♦ Procurement advice: Seating contract advice, IT equipment advice.
♦ New build and Refurbishment advice: Input to proposals to ensure that ergonomic and people focused considerations are applied.
In addition, I also undertake medico legal work for Somek and Associates. I accept instructions from both Claimant and Defendant Solicitors and Insurers. I have undergone formal training in the medico-legal process and am fully aware of my responsibilities under the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) pertaining to Expert Witnesses.
Professional Education
Registration Number: HPC OT21914
1993 Occupational Therapy BSc (Hons) 2.2, Oxford Brookes University