Behavioral Fitness For Duty (FFD)

Abstract

Fitness for Duty (FFD) related to physiological or physical conditions of workers is a rather familiar concept to professionals practicing in the field of Occupational Health. Behavioral/Mental/Psychological FFD of workers, another important element of individual-to-work fitness, is now beginning to receive more attention. The paper defines psychological FFD, emphasizing the differences between "fitness" and "readiness" for duty. This is followed by a discussion of the indications and benefits of evaluating employees' psychological FFD and a description of the three-step evaluation process developed by the author.