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



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.



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.



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.
Department for Health, University of Bath, UK (Mr Stevenson, Dr Siddall, Mr Turner, Prof Bilzon); Occupational Health Services, South Wales Fire & Rescue Service, Cardiff, Wales (Mr Stevenson); and Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service, Preston, Lancashire, UK (Mr Turner).
Richard D M
RD
Stevenson
Andrew G
AG
Siddall
Philip F J
PF
Turner
James L J
JL
Bilzon
D000328:Adult; D004651:Employment; D061388:Firefighters; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010809:Physical Fitness; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D014938:Work Capacity Evaluation