Abstract
A project was carried out to develop a physical abilities test battery for coal miner jobs. A job and task analysis indicated that strength is an important requirement while cardiovascular endurance is not. A sample of 87 underground miners completed a battery of 14 physical tests and measures. Supervisor ratings of performance were obtained for the miners and used as a validation criterion. The results indicated that three isometric tests would serve as a useful battery for predicting job performance. The test data also indicated that for this workforce percent body fat increased and aerobic capacity decreased with age. Measures of these physical characteristics as part of an ongoing physical abilities testing program for current employees would provide valuable data for monitoring potential workforce problems.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.