147 Determining Direct Threat An individual is not “qualified” for the position if his or her performance in the job would result in a direct threat. “Direct threat” means a significant risk of substantial harm to the health or safety of the individual or others that a reasonable accommodation cannot eliminate or reduce to an acceptable degree. The risk of harm must be more than just speculative or hypothetical. There must be a high probability of verifiable, substantial harm. To this end, objective, factual, medical or scientific evidence must support a determination that a person poses a direct threat. The determination of whether an employee poses a direct threat must be based on an individualized assessment of that person’s actual ability to perform safely the essential functions of the job in light of the following factors: The nature and severity of the potential harm. The duration of the risk. The likelihood that the potential harm will occur. The imminence of the potential harm. In assessing the degree of risk, consider the following: Input from the applicant or employee. The applicant or employee’s experience in similar prior jobs. The opinions of medical experts, rehabilitation counselors, and physical therapists. The opinions of engineering or other job specialists, when needed. The use or non-use of mitigating measures, and any consequences of such use (for example, medication that causes fatigue and blurred vision). In determining whether the individual poses a direct threat, the Postal Service must also consider whether there is a reasonable accommodation that would reduce the risk to an acceptable level.