Physical Ability Interview and Test
Joshua J. Cuffee
Argosy University
BUS423
Interviewer: Joshua Cuffee
Interviewee and Occupation: Sydni Wynn - Retail Sales Store Manager
Interview Setting: Fred’s Super Dollar Store
Affiliation with Interviewee: Boss
Interviewer: “Prior to being hired were you asked to take any physical ability tests” (Argosy 2015)?
Interviewee: No.
Interviewer: “What do you perceive to be the physical demands of your job” (Argosy 2015)?
Interviewee: Heavy lifting, sometimes over 50 lbs. on truck day, constant fast pace walking from one side of the store to another.
Interviewer: “On a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 meaning very physically demanding and 1 meaning not at all physically demanding, how physically demanding would you say your job is” (Argosy 2015)?
Interviewee: About 2.5.
Interviewer: “Are there physical demands you were unaware of prior to accepting your position” (Argosy 2015)?
Interviewee: I was aware that I would have to be able to lift 50 lbs. I didn’t realize how much running around was involved.
Interviewer: How do you physically feel after a normal day at work?
Interviewee: Depending on the time of year it varies. During the slow season I feel sluggish from lack of activity and during the busy season I feel sore from running around, lifting, climbing, etc.
Interviewer: Does the physicality of your job affect how well you are able to perform?
Interviewee: No
Interviewer: Do you or have you ever over exerted yourself at work?
Interviewee: Yes
Interviewer: How often do you need to take a break do to the physicality of your job?
Interviewee: Depending on the day, truck day normally being the worst, I might take a break every 5 hours.
Interviewer: Has there ever been a task that you could not complete do to being physically unfit?
Interviewee: Not unless it was something well above 100 lbs. and I couldn’t lift it.
Interviewer: “Do you believe physical ability tests should be given to individuals being considered for your type of work? If yes, what types of physical tests would you recommend” (Argosy 2015)?
Interviewee: No, the physicality of a manager’s job isn’t usually a problem because you can hire in people that can do jobs physically, if you can’t. It’s more important to have the ability to lead others so a physical test would be a waste of time compared to a leadership ability type of test.
Interviewer: What about a physical test before hiring people to ensure they can do the job required?
Interviewee: Not for such a small store but I can see doing something like that maybe like at a Walmart. Since we are small here I get to talk to everyone so I have an idea of what they can and cannot do.

A Template Example of a Physical Ability Test
TITLE OF TEST: Physical Ability Aptitude Test
INTRODUCTION: The need to test workers and their physical abilities in a retail setting is to ensure they can handle the everyday demands that they will face. This test will benefit the tested as well as the company themselves because it can help increase job safety thus decreasing workers’ compensation expenses. “Overexertion injuries account for a large number of all work-related back injuries, it makes sense to reduce the potential for overexertion” (Med-Tox, 2013). The idea it to make sure that people have the strength to do what will be asked of them in order to reduce injury thus maximizing performance and production. The main goal for this test is to:
 To give employers an effective and lawful way to analyze vital, regularly executed, and physically challenging duties that are associated with the job in which they are hiring for (Med-Tox, 2013).
APPLICANTS NECESSARY PREPARATION: Prior to taking this physical ability test applicants need to consider the corporal and rigorous demand that will be required to perform the tasks assigned. Failure does not mean disqualification for hiring but does reduce the likely hood of receiving the position. Applicants can bring and use their own personal protective equipment (PPE); none will be provided for the testing but will be available upon hire.
TEST COMPONENTS: o Test Description: The overall test consists of five tests to determine lift/carry abilities: 1. Grip
2. Arm Lift
3. Shoulder Lift
4. Torso Pull
5. Leg Lift o Related Job Task: Candidates are instructed to imagine a day on the job that entails a day full of various tasks that need to be done. Tasks the would involve the lifting of boxes, the pulling of pallets (on pallet jacks), constant walking and being on their feet, and being able to hold on to breakable items (large television or stereo). o Procedure:
1. For the Grip Strength test, applicants clutch the hand dynamometer (measures how hard they can squeeze) beginning with the right hands and then with their left. In this test their highest grip capacity is logged (Med-Tox, 2013).
2. In the Arm Lift, partakers position themselves upright with their palms facing upward, their elbows by their side and their forearms parallel to the ground and lift upward on a bar (Med-Tox, 2013).
3. In the Shoulder Lift, the applicants are required once again to stand upright but this time with their palms facing down pulling upward on the bar as if they were lifting a 5 gallon bucket (with both hands) (Med-Tox, 2013).
4. With the Torso Pull, participants take a seat on the floor with their both legs fully outstretched and both feet flat alongside the frame which is positioned beside the wall. Applicants pull back with both legs and keeping their arms extended (Med-Tox, 2013).
5. In doing the Leg Lift test, challengers have to squat keeping their arms extended downward, and then they use a lifting motion totally using their legs as they straighten upright (Med-Tox, 2013). o Criteria: An electronic monitor is connected to each test in order to accurately measure the results of each test, and both peak and average strength is documented (Med-Tox, 2013). The cut off minimum will be set at an average of 45 lbs. due to the fact that the average of the heaviest item in the store is approximately 45 lbs. (5 gallon paint). The minimum accepted is an average of 25 lbs. due to the fact that most boxes that come in on truck weigh on average 25 lbs. If a potential employee cannot lift the minimum average of 25 lbs. they fail the physical test and may be considered for a different position such as a cashier or book keeper (based on experience). The more pounds a recruit can work with the higher there usefulness and they are less likely to injure themselves, thus making them prime candidates for the job required. o Illustrated Component:
Grip Test Arm Lift Shoulder Lift Torso Pull Leg Lift (Unknown, 2015).
References
Argosy (2015). Assignment 2: Physical Ability Tests. Argosy. Retrieved from: http://myeclassonline.com/re/DotNextLaunch.asp?courseid=11094758&userid=129136
Med-Tox. (2013). Overview of Physical Ability Testing. Med-Tox. Retrieved from: http://www.med-tox.com/test.html
Unknown (2015). Various Test Pictures [Photographs]. Retrieved from: https://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images;_ylt=A0LEVw0sc9lU3X4AGP1XNyoA?p=torso+pull+test&fr=yfp-t-322&fr2=piv-web