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.

Wound Infection, Postoperative


Related Terms

  • Nosocomial Infection

Differential Diagnosis

Specialists

  • General Surgeon
  • Hand Surgeon
  • Infectious Disease Internist
  • Orthopedic Surgeon

Comorbid Conditions

  • Cancer
  • Decreased blood volume
  • Diabetes
  • Hypothermia
  • Immune system disorders
  • Malnutrition
  • Other infection
  • Vascular disease

Factors Influencing Duration

The type and extent of the infection, its treatment, the presence of complications, and the individual's response to treatment will influence the length of disability. In addition, those of advanced age or those who smoke have prolonged wound healing that might influence the length of disability.

Medical Codes

ICD-9-CM:
998.51 - Infected Postoperative Seroma
998.59 - Other Postoperative Infection; Intra-abdominal Postoperative; Stitch Postoperative; Subphrenic Postoperative; Wound Postoperative; Septicemia Postoperative
998.6 - Persistent Postoperative Fistula

Ability to Work (Return to Work Considerations)

Work restrictions will depend on the severity and location of the postoperative infection. In many cases, lifting and strenuous activity will be restricted for a period of time, and a support device may need to be worn over the incisional area during certain activities.

Risk: The risk for reoccurrence is rare if the infection is successfully treated.

Tolerance: The decision to stay at work or return to work is primarily based on the symptoms (pain) and wound healing.

Accommodations: If the individual’s activities at work and home can be modified, most can return to modified activities.

Source: Medical Disability Advisor






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