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E-mail: [email protected]
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1894
Abstract: This literature review investigates females in the male-dominated
field of firefighting. Various psychological and physical stressors are
identified which are unique to women in this occupation. Psychological
stressors include: self-doubt, skepticism of their abilities by others,
performance pressure, sexual harassment, and social ostracism. Physical
stressors include: ineffective physical conditioning, improper training in the
use of power tools, and ill-fitting personal protective equipment. Proactive
solutions are suggested as methods to remediate these problems, such as:
sensitivity and social skills training, education, stress management and
assertiveness training, task specific physical conditioning, proper training in
the use of power tools, and the availability of personal protective equipment
in sizes to fit women. Occupational therapy practitioners are identified as
professionals qualified to carry out much of this training.
Keywords: sexual harassment, upper body strength, physical conditioning, personal protective equipment, occupational therapy practitioner
