Sedentary Work Exerting up to 10 pounds (4.5 kg) of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time, but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and other sedentary criteria are met.

Light Work Exerting up to 20 pounds (9.1 kg) of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds (4.5 kg) of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Sedentary Work. Light Work usually requires walking or standing to a significant degree. However, if the use of the arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most the time, the job is rated Light Work.

Medium Work Exerting up to 50 (22.7 kg) pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 25 pounds (11.3 kg) of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds (4.5 kg) of forces constantly to move objects.

Heavy Work Exerting up to 100 pounds (45.4 kg) of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds (22.7 kg) of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds (9.1 kg) of force constantly to move objects.

Very Heavy Work Exerting in excess of 100 pounds (45.4 kg) of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds (22.7 kg) of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds (9.1 kg) of force constantly to move objects.

Job Classification

In most duration tables, five job classifications are displayed. These job classifications are based on the amount of physical effort required to perform the work. The classifications correspond to the Strength Factor classifications described in the United States Department of Labor's Dictionary of Occupational Titles. The following definitions are quoted directly from that publication.

Sedentary Work Exerting up to 10 pounds (4.5 kg) of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time, but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and other sedentary criteria are met.

Light Work Exerting up to 20 pounds (9.1 kg) of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds (4.5 kg) of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Sedentary Work. Light Work usually requires walking or standing to a significant degree. However, if the use of the arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most the time, the job is rated Light Work.

Medium Work Exerting up to 50 (22.7 kg) pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 25 pounds (11.3 kg) of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds (4.5 kg) of forces constantly to move objects.

Heavy Work Exerting up to 100 pounds (45.4 kg) of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds (22.7 kg) of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds (9.1 kg) of force constantly to move objects.

Very Heavy Work Exerting in excess of 100 pounds (45.4 kg) of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds (22.7 kg) of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds (9.1 kg) of force constantly to move objects.

Allergy


Related Terms

  • Allergic Reaction
  • Atopic Disease
  • Hypersensitivity Reaction

Differential Diagnosis

Specialists

  • Allergist/Immunologist
  • Dermatologist
  • Internal Medicine Physician

Comorbid Conditions

Factors Influencing Duration

Factors such as advanced age, cigarette use, and severity of symptoms can influence the length of disability. With industrial or chemical allergies, workplace accommodations influence the individual's ability to return to work.

Medical Codes

ICD-9-CM:
995.3 - Certain Adverse Effects Not Elsewhere Classified, Allergy, Unspecified

Ability to Work (Return to Work Considerations)

Allergic individuals need to avoid exposure to potential allergens. Work environments are generally safe for most individuals. However, there are substances in certain work environments that may present problems for some individuals with allergies. Individuals at most risk and who need special accommodations include farmers, veterinarians, groomers (for reaction to animal dander), laboratory workers, hospital workers, photographers, food service workers (for reaction to chemicals and food), mill workers, carpenters, bakers, and lumberjacks (for reactions to wood, dust, grains, and flours). Avoiding the areas at work where the offending triggers are located can often minimize symptoms. In a few cases, asthma and allergy symptoms may be so severe that a change in occupation is the best solution.

Those treated with sedating antihistamines may suffer side effects of drowsiness and dizziness that can interfere with safe operation of machinery and equipment. Newer, less sedating antihistamines are available.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) published recommendations regarding prevention of latex-related allergies. These recommendations include providing non-latex gloves when workers are not handling infectious materials, and using low-protein, powder-free gloves to protect workers handling infectious materials. In addition, NIOSH has several publications on guidelines for chemical safety in the workplace.

Source: Medical Disability Advisor






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