Time to read: 8 minutes I’ve been working in the Industrial Rescue Sector for 14 years now and over this time I’ve seen a fair few changes, new technologies, met some amazing people, some average operators and travelled to 74 sites to date (yep, I record them, ‘gotta catch em all’!). Coming out of a private military and security contracting space after leaving the full time Australian Army as a Paratrooper, I’ve noticed quite a few things that I wanted to share with you in this article for the benefit of my community/family in regards to physical fitness. FITNESS: Being capable and able to physically apply ourselves is an obvious requirement of the job we commit to. In saying this however, I’ve seen a serious lack of taking fitness seriously. This particularly applies on mine sites. Where the days are long (12hrs) and we tend to simply ‘sit around’ on our butts adding strain and excess pressure to our bodies in this very real stress position (yes, even sitting down places approximately 300% loading on our discs according to: stepandspine.urpt.com/...). Further, our ability to lift, drag, carry, push, pull and crawl but to name a few is seldom discussed, programmed into ERT or ESO workouts, which should be a daily activity when wearing the uniform - not just something we should do when/if we choose to on knock-off. Why? Objectively speaking, I’ve seen the average BMI of ESO’s in particular ranging at overweight to obese (heck I’ve been there myself). If we all know that our abilities are crucial in a low frequency but high consequence role, should we be mandating a higher fitness standard and quality across the board? In all seriousness our own and others health depend on it. In a related note, my observations have led me to believe that it’s simply a question of governance. That is, should an industry standard fitness test be implemented for ALL ESO’s, ERT members (including contractors)? In my view, yes and we’re overdue for a positive fitness change. One that’s functional, directed and thoughtfully encouraged by our industry leaders, both on and off site. When neglected, we know that decreased fitness levels lead to: Diseases, depression, health conditions, decreased motivation and similar negative health effects: mdpi.com/... POSSIBLE FIXES: We need good leadership in times of atrophy. This looks like site superintendents, industry leaders, supervisors and good ESO’s taking charge, demanding that during this 12 long shift, sufficient time is allocated for physical fitness AKA: Health Maintenance (just like we had in the army, which is 2hrs per day). We all know it’s possible, feasible and realistic in any case but we need individual sites to allot a reasonable and functional fitness regime that can be undertaken on shift. Just watch the general health, wellbeing and fitness improve if this becomes the norm. Just like we allocate a HSE or, WHS advisor to a work department, Should we designate an ESO or similar as the physical health representative for our crews to combat this unhealthy trend we currently have? Yes, you can require people to workout, we just have put it in place. OFF THE CUFF WORK SCHEDULE (sites vary on shift times and tasks of course) 0530 - 0700 Shift handover / pre start obligations 0700 - 0800 Equipment checks and general duties 0800 - 0930 Functional fitness program (10min stretches, 30-45min workout, 10min stretches, shower and change whilst obviously being on-call and allowing ample time for pre and post workout admin) 0930 - 1730 Normal duties The point is, we have 1.5 hours per day to stay physically fit but without mandating it, I fear we will naturally (as humans do) take the path of least resistance. This affects our overall performance and harms our bodies. Perhaps because it goes largely unseen we ignore the importance of it? WHAT CAN YOU DO IF THIS ISN’T POSSIBLE: I set a target range on most shifts, you can copy and modify this for your own needs. All you need is a resistance band, your body and your phone which includes: DAY 1: 300 pushups (over the day, or, within 2hrs) DAY 2: 300 squats (over the day, or, within 2hrs) DAY 3: 10 plank holds (1min, 1.5min, 2mins, repeat until target is reached) DAY 4: 300 pushups (over the day, or, within 2hrs) DAY 5: Resistance Band 40min total body workout: youtu.be/... DAY 6: 300 squats (over the day, or, within 2hrs) DAY 7: 10 plank holds (1min, 1.5min, 2mins, repeat until target is reached) DAY 8: REST or, 30min yoga session: youtu.be/... What are your thoughts? Just like fire stations have showers and workout gear by encouraging physical fitness standards, can miners and industrial rescue workers pulling 12 hours shifts not be afforded the same rights? If not tell me why you disagree. I hope you’ve enjoyed this article and please let me know your thoughts. Stay well.