UNDERSTANDING THE

NATIONAL OCCUPATIONS CLASSIFICATIONS

The National Occupations Classifications is a resource that WSBC may refer to when

determining The Physical Demands of a Position. It can be a valuable reference for

PABC members looking for a generic job demands description for any occupation.

This resource is available to all physiotherapists online and is fairly simple to use.

The NOC can be found online at the following URL

http://www5.hrsdc.gc.ca/NOC/English/NOC/2011/Welcome.aspx

Suggested use:

A worker comes into the clinic and indicates their position is Longshoreman.

Go to your search engine of preference and put in Longshoreman NOC. The result you

will get is Longshoreman 7451.

On the introductory page of The NOC down the left-hand side are listed a series of

functions:

o Occupational Structure o Matrix o Tutorial o Career Handbook o Employers' Handbook

Click on The Career Handbook and another page will open. One the left hand side again

is a list of functions go to the bottom where it indicates Quick Search: active Disclosure

Quick Search

Enter up to five digits to find an occupation (required). Please input at least 2 numeric

characters.

Go

Go to the Quick Search and enter the number for Longshoreman 7451. This will then

bring up a full description of functions performed by a longshoreman and as you scroll

down the page will give you the strength demand for the position.

Strength

4Heavy

This page will also give some general information that is interesting to have available

with regard to The Physical Activities, Environmental Conditions etc.

DEFINITION OF STRENGTH RATINGS AND FREQUENCY

Reference National Occupational Classifications

Strength ratings by National Occupation Classification (NOC)

STRENGTH RATING WEIGHT

Limited 0-5 kg (0-11 lbs.)

Light 5-10 kg (11-22 lbs.)

Medium 10-20 kg (22-44 lbs.)

Heavy >20kg (>40 lbs.)

Frequency

Not required Not performed

Rare Not daily.

Occasional 0-33% of shift

Frequent 34-66% of shift

Constant 67-100% of shift

This is helpful when we have to determine how often the individual is required to

perform a function and will assist us in determining how close that individual is

functionally to being able to return to work.