Project

Promoting the work ability and occupational safety of industrial rescue teams – IndustryRescueFit

Mines and factories have rescue teams on stand-by that consist of personnel trained in rescue operations. Despite the physical demands of rescue duties, there are currently no uniform recommendations for the assessment physical capacity of these rescue teams. This research project aims to develop recommendations regarding the level of physical capacity for industrial rescue teams and a uniform set of physical capacity tests to measure it.

Timetable

2/2025–12/2026

Objectives

Rescue operations in mines and factories are physically demanding. They require good endurance, muscular strength and body control. In addition to the physical workload, stress factors related to rescue operations include protective equipment, heat and challenging environments.

Although the workload of rescue duties is well known, there have been no studies in Finland on the physical requirements of the work of rescue teams that work in mines and factories and the related requirements for physical capacity.

This research project aims to

determine the physical workload of rescue teams working in mining and factory environments
develop a set of physical capacity tests to assess the physical capacity of rescue teams
develop recommendations for the level of physical capacity of rescue teams.

Studies have shown that the physical capacity of rescue team members is slightly below the average level of the general population. Rescue duties can cause excessive strain for employees if their physical capacity is not sufficient and this, in turn, can lead to accidents, musculoskeletal injuries and even incapacity for work. Sufficient physical capacity reduces the risk of excessive strain during rescue operations and reduces the risk of accidents and injuries.

Data and methods

The physical workload of rescue operations carried out in mine and factory environments is studied using the following measurements:

level of strain on the musculoskeletal system
level of strain on the cardiovascular system
heat stress
rating of perceived exertion.

In addition, measurements of the physical capacity will be carried out.

The physical capacity tests recommended for the use of industrial rescue teams will include the tests that best predict physical capacity and the level of stress in rescue operations.

Results and impact

The IndustryRescueFit project provides a significant addition to the assessment of work ability and physical capacity of people working in industrial rescue operations. The study will produce a comprehensive physical capacity assessment that can be applied to all employees participating in rescue operations in factory and mining (and other similar) environments to promote work ability and health by ensuring sufficient physical capacity in relation to the workload.

In order to ensure sufficient work and physical capacity, it is essential for the field of rescue operations overall that the testing applies equally to all parties carrying out rescue tasks. This streamlines the collaboration between rescue teams and authorities and minimises occupational safety risks. This also helps ensure that deficiencies in physical performance do not endanger members of rescue teams or the people being rescued.

Rescue teams operate nationwide in industrial plants, and they also work in parallel with the rescue authorities. Particularly in sparsely populated areas, the significance of the physical capacity of rescue teams is emphasised as assistance from the authorities may be delayed.