El sector externo mexicano en el TLCAN

The definition of physical fitness is multi-faceted where it can be defined as being healthy, without disease; or the ability to perform work and leisure effectively or efficiently (Caspersen, Powell, & Christenson, 1985; Parker & Worringham, 2004). Mine rescue however, is more focused on the aspect of the ability to safely perform work. Furthermore, fitness encompasses many aspects such as cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular endurance, muscular strength, flexibility, and body composition (Caspersen et al., 1985; Vanhees, Lefevre,

Philippaerts, Martens, Huygens, Troosters, & Beunen, 2005). In understanding the physical demands of mine rescue participants, it is reasonable that the mine rescue literature has focused on cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular endurance, and muscular strength. For example, Stewart et al. (2008), measured: muscular strength (abdominal strength, bicep curl, shoulder press, seated row, and deadlift); endurance (V̇O2 max, abdominal endurance (max sit-ups/60 seconds), and lower back endurance (hold low back extension until failure – Biering-Sorenson test); and flexibility (sit and reach test). However, a broader definition of fitness should be examined for the purpose of developing a fitness standard.

In Canada, two types of physiological employment standards are recognized by the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) and Human Rights legislation: fitness component testing and job task simulations (Jamnik et al., 2013). Fitness component testing involves a fitness standard to screen potential applicants; based on baseline fitness testing (e.g. a set V̇O2 value and set deadlift weight), which would ideally, ensure that a worker would be able to maintain the physical demands of a rescue event. Job task simulations would occur once potential applicants have met the fitness criteria, with standardized training that mimics real-life emergencies (e.g.

IMRC), to ensure participants can perform technical tasks and laborious tasks without eliciting dangerous physiological values. This type of hybrid testing will ensure applicants are physically fit and ensure they are able to complete tasks.

To achieve these goals, a clear understanding of the extensive physical demands of mine rescue participants must first be described.

2.5.2 Current Fitness Requirements of Mine Rescue Participants

Currently in Ontario there is no legislation that sets a specific physical fitness standard for active duty amongst Mine Rescue participants; like those seen in Firefighting or Policing.

OMR has outlined some basic requirements to begin training as a mine rescuer and to wear a breathing apparatus; although not always enforced as some communities have limited access (T.

Hanley, personal communication, December 15, 2017). Outlined in the mine rescue handbook include: an electrocardiogram (ECG), Pulmonary Function Test, complete blood count, and biochemical profile of blood (Handbook of Training in Mine Rescue and Recovery Operations, 2014). These tests are performed to exclude persons with respiratory or cardiovascular disease due to the risk associated with these diseases when wearing a breathing apparatus (required personal protective gear for a mine rescue). Some communities, with better access to health care facilities, will also perform a stress test, to measure the capability of the heart in terms of workload, heart rhythm, and cardio symptoms experienced under stress (Handbook of Training in Mine Rescue and Recovery Operations, 2014). The stress test is not mandatory, particularly since many rural communities do not have access to the laboratory equipment and team to perform it (T. Hanley, personal communication, December 15, 2017). However, using a normative standard will create gender bias, because typically males have higher V̇O2 max values compared to females due to physiological and biological differences. For example, in 1994 a female wildland firefighter experienced undue hardship because of implementation of a normative standard of V̇O2 max, which she nor other females could not achieve despite being able to perform the required work for years prior (Jamnik et al., 2013). Therefore, consideration when developing criteria for a standard must follow the “Unified Test” by the Supreme Court of

Canada so there is no undue hardship caused due to discrimination and current ability to complete the task (Jamnik et al., 2013).

Prior to becoming an active mine rescue volunteer, a worker must complete a five day introductory course, in which the last two days involve scenario-based training in an underground mine. These two days are informal and do not document any physiological readings, but rather is contingent on whether or not the worker feels comfortable wearing the breathing apparatus and is able to complete a mock rescue. The mock rescue typically involves locating a casualty in an underground mine, performing first aid, and then carrying the casualty out of the mine; this normally lasts approximately two hours. This is considered to be the final test, which confirms that the individual is capable of performing a rescue under realistic conditions; however, no physiological monitoring is done, and participants might be at risk of overexertion during this trial (T. Hanley, personal communication, December 15, 2017).

Some mining companies have gone beyond the requirements outlined in the Mine Rescue Handbook and have implemented further requirements, for example, Glencore Canada, requires a Stage 1 bicycle test (a submaximal cycle ergometer test) to estimate V̇O2max, a measure of cardiovascular and aerobic fitness. However, they were unwilling to disclose their threshold value.

Globally, other organizations implement fitness testing similar to Glencore’s, in which a V̇O2 max test, with a set threshold value is used to screen potential mine rescuers to remain active.

For example, Queensland, Australia implements the step-test to determine estimated V̇O2 max, and have a threshold value (40 ml•kg^-1•min^-1 for men and 35 ml•kg^-1•min^-1 for women) to remain active. The difference between male and female is due to the different equations used (Men:

111.33 – (0.42 x HR); Women: 65.81 – (0.1847 x HR), based on the difference in physiology

(e.g. males having larger hearts to pump more blood and larger lungs to take in more oxygen) (“Guideline for the Medical Assessment of Mines Rescue Personnel,” 2010, “VO2 Estimation Method Based on Heart Rate Measurement,” 2005). Furthermore, Germany monitors rescuers during a two hour training protocol where they are evaluated based on performance and deemed active/ non-active accordingly (Kampmann & Bresser, 1999).