Because physical ability tests can be subjected to a high standard of legal and administrative review, empirical evidence is usually necessary to show job-relatedness. A high standard of evidence is also necessary since all tests of strength show adverse impact against females. Since a showing of adverse impact requires the employer demonstrate job-relatedness, documentation confirming such a relationship becomes crucial. Once and employer's job has been selected for study, it is necessary to conduct structured group interviews with workers from that job. The job analysis inquiry is directed at collecting tasks which require static strength.
Static strength involves the continuous exertion of maximum muscle force for a brief period time.
Tasks that involve the lifting, pulling, pushing, or carrying of objects and materials require static strength. Following the structured group interview, workers and the MED-TOX representative go to warehouses, storerooms, and other work areas to directly examine tools, equipment and materials that had been described by workers during the meeting. If additional materials or tools are found that are also lifted, these objects are weighed, the weights recorded, and the lifting tasks added to the task listing. Multiple job analysis meetings may be necessary if there are several different geographical locations or significant differences facilities or number of employees in each location. Once these meetings have been conducted, a task inventory is produced.