A Task Analysis Methodology for the Development of Minimum Physical Employment Standards

OBJECTIVE:The aim of this study was to develop a systematic task analysis process for determination of minimum acceptable job performance in arduous safety-related occupations. METHODS:A task analysis using modifications on established methods was completed in UK firefighters. Subject-matter experts...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of occupational and environmental medicine 2016-08, Vol.58 (8), p.846-851
Main Authors: Stevenson, Richard D.M., Siddall, Andrew G., Turner, Philip F.J., Bilzon, James L.J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Employment
Firefighters
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational health
Original Article
Physical Fitness
Simulation
Task Performance and Analysis
Work Capacity Evaluation
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Summary:OBJECTIVE:The aim of this study was to develop a systematic task analysis process for determination of minimum acceptable job performance in arduous safety-related occupations. METHODS:A task analysis using modifications on established methods was completed in UK firefighters. Subject-matter experts (all male) identified critical, physically arduous tasks generic to all UK firefighters and developed individual, role-specific task simulations. Video footage and blinded voting were used to determine minimum acceptable task performance. RESULTS:Eight tasks were identified in combination with role-specific variations, task simulations suitable for use in a physical demands analysis, and corresponding minimum acceptable performance. CONCLUSIONS:The bespoke steps highlighted here allow structured identification of task-specific minimum performance standards and simulations from which physical employment standards could be based. However, including a more divergent expert panel with respect to age, sex, and race would strengthen the applicability of this framework in future practice.
ISSN:1076-2752
1536-5948
DOI:10.1097/JOM.0000000000000812