ABSTRACT
Large organizations such as the armed forces, emergency services, and public utilities have a continuing requirement to ensure a match between individuals in the work force and the physical demands of their jobs; this matching has been associated with benefits including: a reduction in work-related injuries and illnesses, and improvements in job performance and job satisfaction (Snook, 1987). Such an ideal situation is not easy to achieve and Pedersen et al. (1989) found up to 38% of a sample of National Guard mechanics mismatched. New requirements such as EC Directives may place additional emphasis on this matching process. Furthermore the need to provide Equal Opportunities in employment, and to recognise Human Rights Codes (Fraser, 1992), means that employers must be aware of the actual requirements of each job. Physical fitness and strength were two factors, cited by NIOSH (1981) as relevant in the context of defining safe loads, and weak or unfit workers were recommended not to be exposed to the demands of lifting heavy loads. Genaidy et al. (1992) reviewed the role of physical training in increasing work tolerance limits for those engaged in Manual Materials Handling (MMH) and they proposed a staged intervention process of physical training to control musculoskeletal disorders.
