OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & WELLBEING · Failure of Test 2 or Test 3 must be reported to the FM and or...

PHYSICAL FITNESS OF

OPERATIONAL PERSONNEL

OCCUPATIONAL

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Owner Director of People and Development

Date Written August 2018

Date of Last Review February 2020

Date of next review February 2022

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH PHYSICAL FITNESS OF OPERATIONAL PERSONNEL

Humberside Fire and Rescue Service Version 2.0 February 2020

Not Protectively Marked

2 of 14

CONTENTS

1. Introduction

2. Fitness Standard and Testing

• FF, CM & WM

• Test 1

• Test 2

• Test 3

• Failure of test 2 or 3

• SM+

3. Responsibilities

• Individuals

• Managers

• Fitness Manager

• Equipment

• Planning

4. Appendix A – Fitness Assessment Report

5. Appendix B – Occ. 15 Recording Form




3 of 14

1. INTRODUCTION

Humberside Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) will encourage a positive attitude to fitness by providing appropriate information and guidance on personal fitness and health by the provision of information, instructors, appropriate equipment and facilities together with a programme of assessment.

All operational personnel whose role map indicates an operational commitment will be expected to achieve and maintain a predetermined standard of cardiovascular fitness, strength and muscular endurance. This applies to all whole-time, on-call, day duty personnel and flexible duty system (FDS) personnel.

Physical fitness is a safety critical issue, and the main concept of the fitness management framework detailed here stems from the notion that without adequate physical fitness, physically demanding environments such as emergency responses, can place excessive strain upon the body. Such excessive strain gives considerable rise to risk of injury and, more seriously, cardiac events, which are associated with over-exertion.

This policy is in line with the guidance from NFCC Firefit Steering Group and as such will be reviewed should that guidance be amended.

The framework follows a traffic light system, where: Green = Highly likely to be fit for operational duties. Amber = May or may not be fit for operational duties following OH referral. Red = Highly likely to be unfit for operational duties. The amber section reflects the variance that exists between individuals’ abilities to

cope with varied physically demanding firefighting duties.

Cardiovascular Fitness results are to be categorised and managed in the following manner:




4 of 14

2. FITNESS STANDARD AND TESTING Fitness assessments will be undertaken twice a year during the months of March and September. The assessments will comprise of tests that measure cardiovascular fitness and muscular strength and endurance. The standards required are the same for all ages and gender. Fitness assessments can only be conducted by the FM or relevant District Fitness Adviser. The default assessments used to test cardiovascular fitness will be the Multi-Stage Fitness Test (MSFT) the Chester Treadmill Walk / Run Test (CTWT) Wattbike Firefit Fitness Test (WFFT) Or Drill Ground Fitness Assessment (DGFA). Individuals with specific health or fitness concerns affecting their suitability for undertaking the MSFT, CTWT, WFFT or DGFA may request to undertake the Gas Analysis assessment. This is subject to being granted permission by the Fitness Manager (FM). On successful completion of the assessment the employee will be deemed to be of a satisfactory standard of fitness at the time and the results will be forwarded to the Occupational Health Section using form OCC15 (see Appendix B).

FF, CM & WM FF’s, CM’s and WM’s must achieve the cardiovascular fitness standard of 42.3 ml/kg/min VO2 max and also complete the Upper Body Mobility/Local Muscular Endurance and the Lifting and Carrying tests.

Test 1 – Cardiovascular fitness.

TEST

CTWT

MSFT

Gas

Analysis

Drill Ground Fitness

Assessment

Wattbike Firefit Fitness

Test

42.3 ml/kg/min

12 mins

level 8 Shuttle

8

Accurate

Score Reported

Pass or Fail Test

Pass = 11 mins 11 secs or less

Accurate Score

Reported

35.6 ml/kg/min

10

mins

level 6 Shuttle

8




5 of 14

Test 2 - Upper body mobility and local muscular endurance Repeated lifts of a 10.5-meter ladder at the ladder head. With the heel of a 10.5-meter extension ladder either footed or resting against a building, the ladder (house and pawled) is first lifted to shoulder height using the correct manual handling technique at all times. The ladder must be raised to above head height (to almost full arm’s length and not locking out the joints) and back to chest height 10 times. On completion the ladder is placed back on the ground.

Test 3 - Lifting and carrying technique Two lengths of 70 millimeter hose carried over a distance of 100 meters at a brisk walking pace within a reasonable time frame (maximum of a minute). The exercise must be carried out using the correct manual handling and lifting technique.

GREEN - Equal to or above 42.3 ml/kg/min

• Should be considered physically fit for operational duties, having reached or exceeded the minimum acceptable level.

• Fitness retested on a six-monthly basis. AMBER - Below 42.3 ml/kg/min but equal to or above 35.6 ml/kg/min

• Are considered possibly unfit for operational duties and will be temporarily removed from operational duties.

• Will undergo further assessment to determine their suitability for operational duties by performing a DGFA. In order to be considered safe to undertake a DGFA, individuals should successfully pass a Physical Occupational Health Risk Assessment. before undertaking the DGFA.

• Where an individual fails a physical activity risk assessment, they will be referred to Occupational Health for further assessment and be removed from operational duties until they are safe to engage in vigorous intensity exercise. Those that are considered safe to undertake the DGFA by Occupational Health should then do so.

• Those that subsequently pass the drill ground assessment should be considered fit but be given appropriate exercise/fitness improvement advice to help prepare themselves for their next routine fitness assessment.

• Individuals that fail a drill ground assessment should be referred to Occupational Health and removed from operational duties, then be managed as the RED category described below.

RED - Below 35.6 mlsO2/kg/min. or failure of the DGFA

• Should be considered unfit and be removed from operational duties.

• Be given a fitness improvement plan and retested at regular intervals until the individuals has reached the GREEN fitness category or successfully completed the drill ground assessment.




6 of 14

• Individuals are required to commit to a programme of improvement to achieve the standard as soon as possible. Where there is no underlying medical issue the period will be no longer than one month. Any medical issues that may be preventing a satisfactory fitness result will be assessed via a referral to the Occupational Health Section. During the improvement period, individuals will be assigned by managers to non-operational duties, where available. In cases where there is an underlying medical or health issue, the period of non- operational duties may be extended, where deemed appropriate, to up to three months in total. Employees working the on-call duty system may be required to undertake non-operational duties based on their on-call contracted availability and within the time covered by their threshold payments during this period (code ‘L’ should be inputted onto the on-call availability system).

Figure 1 below relates to FF/WM

Failure of Test 2 or Test 3 Failure of Test 2 or Test 3 must be reported to the FM and or Occupational Health as soon as possible. The individual will temporarily be taken off the run, subject to a referral to OH and risk assessment to be carried out by the FM. The result of the risk assessment following failure of Test 1 or Test 2 could result in the individual being deemed unfit and they will be removed from operational duties.




7 of 14

The individual will be required to enter into a program of improvement for the appropriate task to achieve the standard as soon as possible. Where there is no underlying medical issue the period will be no longer than one month. Any medical issues that may be preventing a satisfactory fitness result will be assessed via a referral to the Occupational Health & Wellbeing Section. All return to work assessments will be undertaken by the FM or relevant District Fitness Adviser. Managers will be informed of the outcome using the form in Appendix A. An employee who fails to meet the fitness standard at any time is liable to action under the Performance and Capability Policy. Informal action is at the discretion of line management. Formal stages may be applied following a Management Case Review meeting chaired by the Deputy Chief Fire Office and Director of People and Development. This will not apply on returning to work from long-term sickness / injury absence or where there is a short-term medical or health issue. SM + Humberside Fire and Rescue Service encourages staff at all levels to the achieve the same level of physical fitness as a Firefighter (i.e. 42.3), however NFCC guidance is such that the levels by which they would be taken off the run are at a lower threshold. Nevertheless, fitness advisors will provide programmes which can keep all staff groups at the higher level if they are followed. Those in a Management role of Station Manager or above will have their cardiovascular fitness tested, then categorised and managed in the following manner: GREEN - Equal to or above 36.8 ml/kg/min

• Should be considered physically fit for operational duty, having reached or exceeded the minimum acceptable level for their role.

• Fitness retested on a six-monthly basis.

AMBER - Below 36.8 ml/kg/min but equal to or above 31.3 ml/kg/min

• Should be referred to Occupational Health and categorised as low, moderate or high risk based on a possible low level of fitness and other medical risk factors.

• Those considered low or moderate risk should be considered fit for operational duties but be given exercise advice.

• Those that are considered high risk should be considered unfit for operational duties, be removed from operational duties, and given a fitness improvement plan and retested at suitable intervals until the individual has reached the GREEN fitness category, or, the AMBER fitness category, and considered low or moderate risk by Occupational Health.

http://portal.humbersidefire.local/SiteDirectory/pandpdirectorate/spServicePolicy/Guidance%20Notes/Supporting%20Documents/C%20and%20%20P%20Procedure%20%20Guidance%20(Aug%2014).docx




8 of 14

RED – Below 31.4 ml/kg/min

• Should be considered unfit and be removed from operational duties.

Be given a fitness improvement plan and re-tested at suitable intervals until

the individuals has reached the GREEN fitness category or the AMBER

• fitness category and considered low or moderate risk by Occupational Health.

TEST

CTWT MSFT Gas Analysis

.6 ml/kg/min 10 mins, 15 secs

level 7 Shuttle 1 Accurate Score

Reported 31.4 ml/kg/min 8 mins level 5 Shuttle 5

Wattbike Firefit

Fitness test

Accurate Score

Reported




9 of 14

3. RESPONSIBILITIES

Managers will be informed of unfit outcomes of any assessment. Individual employees, along with their managers are responsible for arranging to undertake repeat assessments with the FWM. They must do this by contacting Occupational Health and arranging the test to be completed within the time frame. The FM will provide individually focused advice and fitness plans to help facilitate improvements. Individuals: All operational personnel are individually responsible for their own fitness and for ensuring assessment is undertaken within the specified assessment periods. Individuals should consider taking regular physical activity whilst off duty and should not wait until the six-monthly fitness assessment period to confirm what they already believe or know is their level of fitness. Individuals can contact any member of the Fitness and Wellbeing Team if they require assistance with any issues they may have. Station-based personnel are required to participate in physical training at work in accordance with Service Policy SP1_7/PGN1_7 Station Routines. Managers: Managers are responsible for ensuring the delivery of the fitness assessment program of all operational personnel under their control and take appropriate action within the terms of this Policy and follow appropriate guidance if individuals fail to achieve and maintain the standard. Opportunity for physical training should be provided to individuals, and managers should allocate time that supports both participation and quality/effectiveness. Fitness Manager: The FM is responsible for the coordination of the Service fitness assessment programme, training and ensuring the competence of the District Fitness Advisers. The FM will also undertake any Gas Analysis assessments and the physical fitness assessment of those returning to work after illness/injury, or those requiring programmes of improvement. Results of assessments undertaken will be issued to appropriate managers and meaningful statistical information in relation to the performance and progress of the fitness testing programme will be provided. Where FF are taken off the run and this has the potential to impact on immediate crewing or a pump being taken off the run, the FT will inform the SM and Control District Fitness Advisers will monitor fitness for their allocated stations. They will be minimum level 3 Personal Training Instructor Qualified. They will be available to deliver fitness training sessions and offer advice on health / wellbeing where their professional qualification allows. The District Fitness Advisers will promote fitness and wellbeing offering support prior to, and where required after, routine fitness testing. The District Fitness Advisers will provide documentation to record personal training sessions with individuals to the FM.




10 of 14

They will conduct routine fitness testing in their allocated stations in accordance with the Fitness Testing procedure, and report all results to the FM. Where appropriate, information will be reported to the correct management member. The team will be available to conduct testing outside of routine assessments where authorised to by the FM.

Equipment Only personnel who have undertaken an induction and completed an LD1 form for ‘PT equipment in the workplace’ will be allowed to use fitness equipment. A member of the Fitness and Wellbeing Team only can carry out these inductions. Under no circumstances should personnel use fitness equipment without first receiving induction training. Equipment owned by station Social Clubs or the Sports and Welfare Association may be used but must be approved by the FM. A suitable risk assessment and safe system of work shall be completed by the Fitness and Wellbeing Team under the direction of the FM. Equipment deemed unfit for use will be labeled accordingly and removed from the workplace. No personal fitness equipment will be used. All personnel will visually inspect any fitness equipment prior to use for its suitability. Any item found to be faulty or unsafe for use will be clearly labeled, immediately taken out of use and reported to the FM who will advise as to the correct course of action to be taken. Weekly equipment standard checks and cleaning will be carried out in accordance local station routines. Managers are responsible for auditing the standard checks and cleaning of equipment. The FM will manage, monitor and review the maintenance of fitness equipment and will be the direct point of contact having authority for all equipment requirements relating to fitness training. The FM will arrange for all equipment to receive a maintenance check by a reputable service provider.

Planning Prior to the fitness testing months of March and September the Fitness Advisors will contact all personnel either personally or via their line managers to book a mutually convenient time for the testing to take place. Line managers must inform all personnel in their span of control when and where testing will take place. Employees will normally be assessed in groups where possible, although consideration of individual assessment may be given where appropriate. The assessment may be carried out in any order at the direction of the assessor. Other considerations will include:

• Employees will wear appropriate clothing and footwear.

• The assessor will be responsible for the employees being familiar and competent to undertake the assessment and use the protocol.

• The assessor will observe the employee throughout the test and will be




11 of 14

responsible for the safety of the employee and be prepared to interrupt the activity to prevent an accident or injury occurring.

• A suitable and sufficient risk assessment must be completed on all equipment, weather and ground conditions by the assessor before running /walking tests are to be carried out.

• The assessor will ensure that suitable first aid equipment is provided at a nearby location should it be required.

• A copy of the results of any test will be given to the individual.

• Managers will be informed of non-attendance and appointment cancellation

If anyone requires any further guidance / information relating to this document, please contact Occupational Health and Wellbeing.




12 of 14

APPENDIX A

Fitness Assessment Report

Occupational Health Section

Fitness Assessment Report

Name: …………………………………… DOB: …………………………………..

Service Number: ……………………… Place of Work: ……………………….

Line Manager: ………………………… SM: …………………………………….

The above named has undertaken the

…………………………………………………….

fitness assessment and has achieved the following result:

Green

Amber

Red

Date of last full pass: ………………………………………………………………………...

To be completed if unfit or remedial result is achieved:

The above named:

Could achieve a full pass next test

Has made substantial progress

Has shown some improvement

Has shown no improvement




13 of 14

Training programme or advice:

Accepted

Declined

Fitness & Wellbeing Advisors Notes:

Date of next appointment: …………………………………………………………………...

Signed: ……………………………….. Date: …………………………………




14 of 14

APPENDIX B FITNESS ASSESSMENT OCC15

Name:

Male Female Service Number:

Full Time Station: Age: Date of Test:

On Call Station: Rank:

Please tick as appropriate Yes* No

Any injuries or previous injuries?

Any Medication?

Any other reason you are unable to carry out fitness assessment?

*Answering yes to any of the above questions may require further discussion before continuing with

this fitness assessment.

AMBER and RED’s to be notified to Service Fitness Manager within 24 hours on: 01482

398513

Participant’s

Signature………………………………………………………………

Examiner’s Name…………………………………………………..

Signature……………………………………………………………….

1. White copy to be completed and returned to Service Fitness Manager,

Occupational Health

2. Yellow copy kept by examine

3. Blue copy kept by participant

Multi-Stage Shuttle Level Required: 8.8 Level Achieved

Gas Analysis - BIKE VO2 Required: 42.3 VO2 Achieved

Gas Analysis - RUN VO2 Required: 42.3 VO2 Achieved

Chester Treadmill Walk Test VO2 Required: 42.3 VO2 Achieved

Watt Bike Fire Fit Test VO2 Required: 42.3 VO2 Achieved

Drill Ground Fitness Assessment VO2 Required: 11.11

VO2 Achieved

Examiner to initial when completed

1) Ladder Lift - 10 Reps

2) Hose Carry - 2 x 70mm – 100m

Weight If above 125kg or 19st 7lbs inform the Health & Safety Section by email at

[email protected]

Assessment: GREEN/AMBER/RED

mailto:[email protected]

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & WELLBEING · Failure of Test 2 or Test 3 must be reported to the FM and or...

Documents

Transcript of OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & WELLBEING · Failure of Test 2 or Test 3 must be reported to the FM and or...