Fitness Tests And Worker’s Compensation: What You Should Know

May 13, 2015 | WC & Other Laws

Fitness Tests And Worker’s Compensation – In 2014, The Colorado Springs Police Department established a physical standards testing program for all sworn employees. To clarify, that means employees who have already been hired. The main goal of the program was to establish a minimum physical fitness level that allows for the normal, standard duties of a police office. Of the 628 officers required to take the exam, 25 failed, 9 of whom passed when they re-took the exam. Five employees were injured during the exam, and there were three workers’ compensation claims filed because of the fitness test, but details are unfortunately unforthcoming.

Fitness Tests And Worker’s Compensation

The test is a job requirement and, as such, as Greeley work comp lawyers could say, should be covered under workers’ compensation in Colorado. The test itself is tricky, however, because while it is technically a job requirement, passing the test could also technically be construed as a prerequisite for continued employment. The training itself is also, as Greeley workers’ compensation lawyers could argue, a job requirement and covered under workers’ compensation.

Many of the officers who failed the exam are older, the oldest being 63, but many of the officers were just in their mid-forties to fifties. According to the Colorado Springs Police Department, an officer who does not meet the minimum standards must be put on light duty and follow a performance improvement plan until the test is completed with a minimum passing score. The plan maxes out at six months of light duty, after which failing the test implies more serious consequences, possibly including termination.

Physical fitness is certainly important for police officers who, if unable to complete a physical task, may endanger or lose an innocent life. The test’s effectiveness at measuring officer fitness remains in question, however. The test itself has four components, many of which sound like the minimum fitness tests for children in school. The test includes sit-ups, push-ups, an agility run, and a beep test. Greeley work comp lawyers could say injuries that occur during the actual test after being hired may be covered for workers’ compensation, but training for mandatory testing may also be covered, depending on the circumstances of the injury.

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