A systematic review of the literature regarding one-handed load carrying was conducted to identify research gaps for future load carrying studies. Twenty-six articles that may be relevant to elderly and obese people were included. Only two studies evaluated the effect of age as an independent variable during one-handed carrying. Obesity was not included as an independent variable in any of the articles. In general, the results suggested that one-handed carrying is more physically demanding than other methods of load carrying. In many cases, physiological responses to carrying a load in one hand were similar to carrying twice the load equally distributed between two hands. Some studies recommended a one-handed carrying weight limit of approximately 9-10 kg for men and 6-7 kg for women. However, more research on the effects of age and obesity during one-handed carrying are needed to determine if these results hold for elderly and obese people.
Firefighters have among the most physically and psychologically challenging jobs in the world, incurring more than 80,000 (NFPA, 2014) injuries each year. Firefighter training is crucial, as higher knowledge and experience levels are inversely proportional to their risk of injury or work-related illness (Gonzalez, 2002). However, a paradox is created in that the training itself is the third highest cause of firefighter injury (Burgess, 2014). Therefore, enhancing training safety is paramount to creating a safer overall work environment for firefighters. This study focuses on a particularly hazardous aspect of training; crawling. A crawling simulator used by the Opelika and Auburn Fire Departments was built into the back of a trailer and is located in Lee County, Alabama. A system safety analysis was performed incorporating the use of tools including a preliminary hazard list (PHL), preliminary hazard analysis (PHA), risk assessment matrix, fault tree analysis (FTA), and failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA). Several hazards were identified and assessed. Recommendations for abating these hazards are offered, specifically for hazards resulting from the lack of an evacuation plan and absence of an occupant monitoring system.
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