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Document ID (ISN)109635
CIS number 09-716
ISSN - Serial title 1745-6673 - Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology
Year 2008
Convention or series no.
Author(s) Stewart I.B., McDonald M.D., Hunt A.P., Parker T.W.
Title Physical capacity of rescue personnel in the mining industry
Bibliographic information Oct. 2008, Vol.3, No.22, 6p. Illus. 31 ref.
Internet access http://www.occup-med.com/content/pdf/1745-6673-3-22.pdf [in English]
Abstract The mining industry has one of the highest occupational rates of serious injury and fatality. Staff involved with rescue operations are often required to respond to physically challenging situations. In this study, 91 Australian mine rescue personnel completed a series of health-related and rescue-related fitness tests, including measurements of aerobic capacity, abdominal endurance, abdominal strength, flexibility, lower back strength, leg strength, elbow flexion strength, shoulder strength, lower back endurance, and leg endurance. Rescue-related tasks comprised carrying a load, shoveling coal and dragging hose. Findings are discussed. Overall, physical fitness was judged insufficient. It is recommended that standards of required physical fitness be developed and that rescue personnel undergo regular training and testing to maintain these standards.
Descriptors (primary) first-aid and rescue organization; Australia; mining industry; physical fitness; mine rescue; state of health
Descriptors (secondary) manual lifting; work capacity; assessment of physical capacity; manual handling; standardization; muscular strength
Document type D - Periodical articles
Country / State or ProvinceAustralia
Subject(s) Occupational physiology
Mines and quarries
Broad subject area(s) Physiology, ergonomics
Browse category(ies) Mining and quarrying
First aid and emergency organization