Posted By Linda Westrupp
Not with body armour, but I have had a couple of cases where Parking Attendants have been diagnosed with lower back pain and (in one case) wear and tear, due to the equipment belts they use which include hand held unit for issuing tickets, printer to print said ticket, container of those sticky bags for fixing to windscreen and radio to contact base. All of those hang from a belt when not actually in use and are quite heavy when added together.
The only thing we can do is look for lighter weight equipment from time to time and replace where possible.
Linda

Posted By Rob T
Hi Derek,

Yes had many a problem with back pain associated with body armour in the past. In one media company I worked for we eventually got rid of the ceramic plates and used the lightweight plates instead which are still Class 3. The only time we had to revert to the heavier gear was when the threat was from armour piercing and so to Class 4.

Lightweight body armour is far more expensive even now which is why the police and particularly the army still use the old stuff.

I bought my own which is class 3a jacket (breathable), and class 3 plates front and back (12x8 inches) - in total this weighs only about 22 lbs! I also paid about a grand for it with overjacket. The police I think pay about 600 quid and the army (poor beggars) about 400. If anyone was to look at what the soldiers have to wear (6x5 plates i.e. just the heart protected no lung) and did an RA, it would not be fit for purpose.

It's all about cost!

In the mean time all you can really do is ensure that they take the gear off when not "out and about" (not sure which service you're talking about) and try to give them a few extra breaks.

If you are interested in getting more info on lightweight kit I can put you in touch with a good firm. Please just e-mail me.

Cheers
Rob