Implementation of Physical Employment Standards for Physically Demanding Occupations

Stevenson, R. M.; Siddall, Andrew G.; Turner, Philip J.; Bilzon, James L. J.

doi:10.1097/jom.0000000000001921

Cited by 9 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 47 publications

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“…In some occupational domains, standardised dynamic tasks have already been developed, such as the load effects assessment program (LEAP) used in military settings [123]. In addition, a range of occupation specific tasks have been defined by physical employment standards literature, which are likely to be suitable for research evaluating performance of PPE [124][125][126][127]. Future research should consider the effects of the fit of PPE in their evaluations.…”

Section: Performance While Wearing Ppementioning

confidence: 99%

Does the fit of personal protective equipment affect functional performance? A systematic review across occupational domains

et al. 2022

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Objective To explore the effect of personal protective equipment (PPE) fit on functional performance across a range of occupational domains. Background PPE introduces an ergonomic, human systems integration, and mass burden to the wearer, and these factors are thought to be amplified if PPE is ill-fitting. However, few studies have considered the role of fit (static, dynamic, and cognitive) when evaluating PPE-related performance detriments in occupational settings. Method A systematic literature review was conducted to identify relevant studies, which were then critically appraised based on methodological quality and collated to compare key findings and present evidence-based recommendations for future research directions across a range of occupational domains. Results 16 published studies met the inclusion criteria, 88% of which found that the fit of PPE had a statistically significant effect on occupational performance. Poorly sized PPE resulted in slower or increased reaction time; decreased range of motion or mobility; decreased endurance or tolerance; decreased pulmonary function; and altered muscle activation. Limited research met the inclusion criteria and those that did had risks of bias in methodology quality. Conclusion Future research evaluating the effect of PPE on performance in occupational settings should aim to recruit a more representative population; consider sex as a covariate; quantify and evaluate PPE fit and performance when integrated with all relevant equipment items; include outcome measures related to all three categories of fit (static, dynamic, cognitive); and assess performance of operationally relevant tasks.

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Section: Performance While Wearing Ppementioning

confidence: 99%

Does the fit of personal protective equipment affect functional performance? A systematic review across occupational domains

et al. 2022

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“…As such, they may also be used as return-to-work performance indicators or for job realignment, whereby an individual who cannot meet a job-task requirement may be reallocated to another area with different tasks and hence potentially different requirements. Implementation of an occupational standard could follow a traffic light system, rather than a binary pass/fail system, whereby personnel are deemed as acceptable (i.e., fit enough), uncertain (i.e., below desired standard but may reach standards), and unacceptable (i.e., below desired standard and is not expected to be able to reach standards) (89). The inclusion of the middle tier (i.e., uncertain) provides the opportunity for a qualified professional (e.g., strength and conditioning coach) to assist the member to increase their level of fitness to the required level.…”

Section: Encapsulation and Practical Application Considerationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Use of Physical Fitness Assessments in Tactical Populations

Orr

Lockie

Milligan

et al. 2021

Strength &Amp; Conditioning Journal

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Physical fitness assessments for tactical occupations (e.g., military, law enforcement, and emergency services) can include predictive tests of anaerobic power, cardiovascular fitness, muscular endurance, muscular power, strength, agility, and/or simulated occupational tasks. Not only can these tests be used to assess the ability of someone to undertake the job role but they can be used to determine injury risk, training failure, and/or general health. This review discusses different uses for physical fitness assessments and considerations for their use in tactical populations.

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“…To assess firefighters’ occupational performance, fire departments use simulation protocols designed to replicate the duties that firefighters are required to perform [ 5 , 6 , 32 , 33 ]. Each occupational-specific task reflects a core or critical task that firefighters are required to perform, such as the forcible entry, hose drag, ladder raise and victim rescue [ 3 , 5 , 6 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluation of the relationship between occupational-specific task performance and measures of physical fitness, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health in firefighters

Ras,

Soteriades,

Smith

et al. 2024

BMC Public Health

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Introduction Firefighters are required to perform physically strenuous tasks such as hose drags, victim rescues, forcible entries and stair climbs to complete their public safety mission. Occupational-specific tasks are often used to evaluate the ability of firefighters to adequately/safely perform their duties. Depending on the regions, occupational-specific tasks include six to eight individual tasks, which emphasize distinct aspects of their physical fitness, while also requiring different levels of cardiovascular (CVH) and musculoskeletal health (MSH). Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between specific occupational task performance and measures of physical fitness, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health. Methods Using a cross-sectional design, 282 full-time male and female firefighters were recruited. A researcher-generated questionnaire and physical measures were used to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics, CVH, MSH and weekly physical activity habits. Physical measures were used to collect data on physical fitness and occupational-specific task performance. Results Absolute cardiorespiratory fitness (abV̇O2max), grip strength, leg strength, push-ups, sit-ups and lean body mass (all p < 0.001) had an inverse association with completion times on all occupational-specific tasks. Age was positively related to the performance of all tasks (all p < 0.05). Higher heart rate variability (HRV) was associated with better performance on all tasks (all p < 0.05). Bodyfat percentage (BF%) and diastolic blood pressure were positively associated with the step-up task (p < 0.05). Lower back musculoskeletal injury (LoBMSI), musculoskeletal discomfort (MSD), and lower limb MSD were associated with a decreased odds of passing the step-up. Upper body MSIs (UBMSI), LoBMSIs and Lower back MSD were associated with decreased odds of passing the rescue drag. Conclusion Firefighters that were taller, leaner, stronger and fitter with a more favourable CVH profile, higher HRV and less musculoskeletal discomfort performed best on all occupational-specific tasks.

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Implementation of Physical Employment Standards for Physically Demanding Occupations

Abstract: We would like to thank all participants that volunteered for the studies underpinning this fitness management procedure and members of the UKFRS who gave their time to contribute to the Stakeholder and Technical Panels.

Cited by 9 publications

References 47 publications

Does the fit of personal protective equipment affect functional performance? A systematic review across occupational domains

Does the fit of personal protective equipment affect functional performance? A systematic review across occupational domains

Use of Physical Fitness Assessments in Tactical Populations

Evaluation of the relationship between occupational-specific task performance and measures of physical fitness, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health in firefighters

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