What does a certification for "less than 6 METs" indicate regarding work capability?

A certification for "less than 6 METs" indicates that only light work is possible. METs, or Metabolic Equivalent of Task, are used to estimate the energy expenditure of physical activities. When a person is certified for less than 6 METs, it means they have a limited physiological capacity, which aligns with light work activities.

Light work generally involves tasks that require lifting no more than 20 pounds occasionally, 10 pounds frequently, and may include sitting, standing, walking, or some light handling of materials. Examples of light work tasks include desk jobs, light assembly, or working in a setting that does not require significant physical exertion.

By establishing that the work capability is limited to this range, it effectively rules out higher levels of physical demand associated with moderate, heavy, or very heavy work, which require greater MET levels. The understanding of MET levels is crucial for determining the appropriate classification of work a person can safely perform based on their health status.