To cite this Article Bos, Jurriaan , Mol, Eric , Visser, Bart and Frings-Dresen, Monique HW(2004) 'The physical demands upon (Dutch) fire-fighters in relation to the maximum acceptable energetic workload ', Ergonomics, 47: 4,[446][447][448][449][450][451][452][453][454][455][456][457][458][459][460] To link to this Article: DOI: 10.1080/00140130310001643283 URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00140130310001643283Full terms and conditions of use: http://www.informaworld.com/terms-and-conditions-of-access.pdf This article may be used for research, teaching and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, re-distribution, re-selling, loan or sub-licensing, systematic supply or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden.The publisher does not give any warranty express or implied or make any representation that the contents will be complete or accurate or up to date. The accuracy of any instructions, formulae and drug doses should be independently verified with primary sources. The publisher shall not be liable for any loss, actions, claims, proceedings, demand or costs or damages whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with or arising out of the use of this material. The aim of this study was to assess the tasks and activities that make physical demands on Dutch fire-fighters and to compare them with a guideline related to the development of excessive fatigue. The occupational physical demands on Dutch fire-fighters were assessed by conducting a task analysis during 85 24-h shifts. While workplace observations on the duration and frequency of physical tasks and activities were recorded, the heart rate was measured. This was then used to calculate the heart rate reserve percentage (%HRR) for predefined working periods, tasks and activities during 24-h shifts. The findings indicate that actual fire-fighting during 24-h shifts is characterised by a low frequency of incidents, a short 'turn-out' time, short tasks, and activities with a moderate to occasionally high energetic workload. Two tasks which sometimes occur in actual fire-fighting exceeded the guideline on energetic workload. The conclusion was that, though the number of incidents and the occupational demands are low during 24-h shifts, the peak loads for these two tasks are energetically high and could lead to excessive fatigue. Consequently, attention may need to be paid to health surveillance for persons exposed to such energetic peak loads, the development of physical and medical selection procedures, training, and workplace adjustments.

Firefighters reported higher physical demands (with the exception of 'sitting') than office workers did. The prevalence rate of certain complaints or disabilities among FFs was higher (knee and ankle complaints and disabilities related to back complaints) or lower (hypertension, stomach, heart, neck, shoulder and arm complaints) than among OWs. The results suggest that exposure to highly biomechanically demanding activities might cause an increased risk of knee and ankle complaints and that exposure to highly energetically demanding activities might increase the risk of subjective fatigue.

The study aimed to identify specific health and well-being issues women firefighters may experience as part of their daily working practices. Issues identified from this under-represented population can drive future research, education and strategy to guide safety and health practices. MethodsA total of 840 women firefighters from 14 separate countries (255 United Kingdom & Ireland, 320 North America, 177 Australasia, 88 mainland Europe) completed the survey over a 4 month period.Questions related to general health and well-being and role specific health concerns, gender orientated issues and available exercise facilities. ResultsWomen firefighters in North America reported a higher prevalence of lower back (49%) and lower limb (51%) injuries, than all other groups. North America reported more heat illnesses (45%) than other places (36%). Thirty-nine percent thought their menstrual cycle and menopause effected work, with 36% concerned for their ability to meet future job demands. Sixteen percent felt confident they could complete the role after 60yrs old. Women firefighters identified a lack of strength & conditioning support (50%) or lack of gym access (21%). Availability of women specific personal protective equipment was greatest in the United Kingdom (66%) compared to others (42%). ConclusionsThere is a need for women specific strength & conditioning support and facilities to reduce injury and illness risk and improve longevity. Research and education into gynaecological issues, heat exposure, and their effects on women's fertility and cancer risk is required.

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