The long and short of IT: the development of the naval service reach test

摘要

Stature is considered to be an unsubstantiated selection measure for the RN and, as such, could be considered to be against equal opportunity. In 2000, INM conducted a ship-based study, investigating the anthropometric requirements of critical and generic tasks. In 2001, as a result of the findings of this study, a selection test was designed to replace the height requirements. Entry to the Naval Service is to be based on the ability to reach and grasp the top clip of doors on RN ships. This paper describes the ergonomics progression from the tasks through to the test. The test design is based upon engineering drawings and actual measurements of ship doors. Further to this work a directive has been given to test only those candidates who are less than 151.5cm stature.