Development of fitness screening protocols for physically demanding occupations.

The fitness screening of applications to physically demand occupations has become increasingly complex with the advent of Equal Opportunity legislation and Affirmative Action initiatives. A comprehensive study was conducted of the physical demands and associated physiological responses of workers in strenuous jobs at a large multifaceted natural gas company. Based on these findings, an applicant fitness screening protocol was developed and validated. The protocol was implemented for an 18-month period, after which the results were examined with regard to gender differences in success rates and other influencing factors. Because of ongoing changes in attitudes and practices in the workplace, fitness screening for applicants was interrupted and a review was initiated of all strenuous jobs with the aim of reducing their physical demands.