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Occupational Medicine 2000;50:599-607
© 2000 Society of Occupational Medicine

An Investigation of the Validity of ‘Simulated’ Work Related Tasks in Relation to ‘Real-Life’ Situations in the Fire Service Training Environment

J. A. Oldham*,, S. Schofield{dagger}, M. J. Callaghan* and J. Winstanley{ddagger}

* Centre for Rehabilitation Science, University of Manchester
{dagger} Manchester Fire Service Training Centre Manchester, UK
{ddagger} Dept of Nursing, University of Manchester

Many researchers have developed work simulated tasks that can successfully predict fitness for work. In the fire service there are few tests available to make such predictions. This study was designed to evaluate the validity of four simulated fire-fighting tasks developed by Manchester Fire Service. Twenty-seven subjects each performed, in random order, three repeats of four simulated and four real-life tasks: under-running a 9 m ladder, dead lift, placing a 13.5 m ladder on an appliance and hauling an extended line. Comparisons between real and simulated tasks were assessed by measuring total time and amount of muscle activity. Recommendations were made to reduce the weight and to revise the lifting and grip positions for the 13.5 m ladder and dead lift, respectively, whereas the simulated 9 m ladder and hauling an extended line simulated tasks were sufficiently similar to the real-life activities to not warrant any change.

Keywords      Fire Service; simulated tasks; fitness for work; equal opportunities

Received       14 March 2000
Accepted       13 July 2000

Correspondence to: Professor J. A. Oldham, Centre for Rehabilitation Science, University of Manchester, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9WL, UK. Tel: +44 (0)161 276 6672; fax: +44 (0)161 276 6672; e-mail: jackie.oldham{at}man.ac.uk


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