I read an interesting article today on the Daily Advisor from HR.BLR that I think makes a very good point.  The article was about describing "essential functions" of the job and stated that it is important not to confuse the method with the task that needs to be completed.  In other words, stating that the job requires bending(method) is not enough to give a clear understanding of what is required.  It would be a more appropriate Human Resources practice to say "responsible for gathering multiple parts that are located at various levels including floor level and place them at table height".  It would also be appropriate to include the weights of the parts as well as the frequency on how many times a person would have to retrieve the parts.   By being more descriptive about the task that needs to be completed, you will find numerous benefits including:

• better screening of candidates - you will be able to ask more specific questions about a persons ability to perform the task
• candidates will have a better understanding of what is expected of them and finally
• in the event that you have to make an accommodation, the Dr. will have a much clearer picture of what the employee is being asked to do. 

As a HR Consultant, these are some of the items I work with our clients to assure that they are following HR Best Practices.