Consensus on tasks to be included in a return to work assessment for a UK firefighter following an injury: an online Delphi study

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to provide a consensus tasks needed to be included in a return to work assessment for operational firefighters. METHODS: A two round online Delphi study was conducted with twenty-four participants including firefighters, service fitness advisers and occupational health managers. A consensus was set at 70% agreement. In round one, participants completed an online survey relating to tasks to be included during a return to work assessment for firefighters following an injury. Round two was an online consensus meeting to discuss the tasks where consensus was not achieved. RESULTS: A consensus was reached for ten of the thirteen tasks, including the number of repetitions required when lifting a light portable pump and climbing a ladder. A consensus was reached for the total distance equipment which should be carried. This included carrying a ladder, a hose and a light portable pump. CONCLUSIONS: This study has provided a consensus for tasks to be included when assessing a firefighter for return to work. Further research is needed to understand how to use this assessment optimally SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00420-021-01661-7.