1. Prior to being hired were you asked to take any physical ability test?
Yes, the position required me to lift up to 70 pounds, I also had to operate a manual transmission U.P.S. vehicle, and forklift test.
2. What do you perceive to be the physical demands of your job?
The demands are injuries, stress, physical strain, and working harder and longer hours. 3. 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?
I say 4, because getting a strain, sprain, or rupture to your knees, back, or shoulder happens to often, considering when delivering up to 500 packages in a day, and I make about 20 stops an hour.
4. Are there physical demands you were unaware of prior to accepting your position?
Yes, the stamina, body movement, and your endurance that you will need to fulfill the long hours working, and the continuous tracking of packages, and there is a high interaction with customers.
5. 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?
I would recommend a manual dexterity test, static strength test, and reaction time test.
6. This job will require the ability to perform strength, stamina functions for moderate to extended periods of time (lifting, driving for long periods of time, and communicating frequently with interruptions,) do you perceive of any difficulties meeting these expectations?
I don’t have any problems with working longer hours, and like I said most packages only weight up to 70lbs, and I like talking to people, so my communication skills is excellent.
7. Do you feel that you have the physical ability to run various machines, if need to be?
Yes, sometimes I have to help out with loading the packages into the truck, so I will jump on one of the forklifts.
8. Do you believe that dynamic flexibility is required for this job?
Most defiantly, being able to continually move your body throughout the day, and have the ability to do the work quickly is one of the main requirements of the job.
TITLE OF TEST: Physical Abilities Test for United Parcel Service Worker
INTRODUCTION: An applicant applying for a physically demanding job must be given a series of physical battery tests, which is job related, valid, and reliable. This will enable the management to identify if the applicant has the capabilities to perform the position. APPLICANTS NECESSARY PREPARATION: To help applicants prepare for the series of battery tests, guidelines are provided so that the applicant can attain the correct information required to pass the physical abilities tests. Wearing comfortable clothing, shoes, and to be well rested will help the applicant reach a higher level of fitness. Tests will include strength, flexibility, cardio, and muscular endurance. Taking these adequate preparatory steps will greatly increase the potential for success.
TEST COMPONENTS: The five physical ability tests requires repeating bending, stretching, twisting of the body’s arms, and legs they are:
Test Description= Stamina, Jumping Rope,
Related Job Task: To have the ability to maintain physical activity over a long period of time, such as in climbing up 20 flights of stairs to deliver packages.
Procedure: The applicant will hold an end of the rope in each hand, and position the rope behind them on the ground. The applicant will raise their arms up and turn the rope over their head bringing it down in front of them. When the rope reaches the ground, the applicant will jump into the air and over the rope.
Criteria: The applicant will continue this exercise test for 3 minutes, to consider test acceptable. Failure to complete the test within time allotted, constitutes failing grade.
Test Description= Static Strength, Squat
Related Job Task: The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry packages or load packages.
Procedure: Have applicant start by standing with their feet shoulder width apart with their weight evenly distributed on both feet. Keep hips, knees, and toes pointed straight ahead. Have applicant bend their knees, and extend the buttocks backwards as if they are going to sit in a chair. Have them extend their arms in front of them, and focus their eyes straight ahead to maintain balance. Applicant knees will not extend past their toes, and then reverse the move when their thighs are parallel to the floor, and return to a standing position.
Criteria: Applicant will repeat this exercise 1 time with 4 reps to consider the test pass acceptable. Failure to complete the test constitutes failing grade.
Test Description= Reaction Time, Ruler
Related Job Task The ability to quickly respond with the hand, finger, to a signal, sound, lights when it appears, when driving delivery truck.
Procedure: Have applicant hold out their thumb, and index finger. Test person must hold a meter stick between their hands, and the zero mark needs to be level with the top of their thumb. Now, let the meter stick fall having the test person drop the stick without letting applicant know. Applicant must catch the ruler between their index finger, and thumb as soon as it falls. Tester can measure the distance in centimeters from the top of their thumb to the zero mark.
Criteria: Applicant will carry out the above steps three times, then tester will add the measurements together, and calculate the average, and assess their results. A test pass acceptance is having a reaction time under 8 cm. Failure to complete the test, or have a higher score above 8 cm constitutes a failing grade.
Test Description= Manual dexterity, Purdue Pegboard,
Related Job Task The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects, or lift or sort boxes over a period of time.
Procedure: Applicant will be subject to the Purdue Pegboard Test, which requires removing pins from a tray and placing them into a pegboard quickly, and accurately within 60 seconds.
Criteria: Applicant will complete this test 1 time, and to consider a passing grade applicant must have a minimum of 10 pegs in the pegboard for test to be acceptable. Failure of to complete the test constitutes failing grade.
Test Description=Balance, Standing test
Related Job Task: The ability to keep their balance while sorting packages to be delivered according to the delivery route.
Procedure: Applicant stands on one leg for as long as possible, and the timing stops when the elevated foot touches the ground, or the applicant hops, or otherwise loses their balance position.
Criteria: Applicant must successfully complete best of 3 attempts, to consider a passing grade. Failure to complete the test constitutes failing grade if person cannot stay in the balance position.
