Abstract
The occupational classification of electrical transmission lineworker was subjected to extensive job analyses. Physically demanding tasks, that were identified as being bona fide occupational requirements, were studied in depth to elucidate the specific forces necessary to perform them. The tasks were clustered by standard anatomical movements for lifting, pushing and hoisting. Five strength and three work simulation tests were developed to evaluate an individual's capacity for these movements. Ergonomic principles that relate the percentage of an individual's capacity to the frequency at which he or she may safely perform were employed in establishing scoring standards. Metabolic energy requirements were determined for those tasks having a high aerobic demand, and standards for performance were likewise established. Statistical analyses, comparing the test performance of 48 current lineworkers with job success criteria, revealed that the content valid test battery also possesses criterion-related validity.
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