1. Initial Screening: Upon arrival at a concentration or forced labor camp, prisoners would undergo an initial screening by camp doctors or medical personnel. This involved a general physical examination, including checks for signs of illness, malnutrition, or physical disabilities.
2. Work Assessments: After the initial screening, prisoners were subjected to work assessments to evaluate their physical capabilities and suitability for various types of labor. These assessments often included tests of strength, endurance, and coordination.
3. Categorization: Based on the results of the medical examinations and work assessments, prisoners were categorized into different fitness levels or work categories. The main categories were:
* Fit for Heavy Work (Arbeitsfähig): Prisoners deemed capable of performing heavy physical labor, such as construction, mining, or agricultural work.
* Fit for Light Work (Arbeitsfähig – Leicht): Prisoners who could perform lighter tasks, such as tailoring, carpentry, or metalworking.
* Temporarily Unfit for Work (Arbeitsunfähig): Prisoners who were temporarily unable to work due to illness or injury.
* Permanently Unfit for Work (Dauernd Arbeitsunfähig): Prisoners who were deemed permanently unfit for any type of work due to severe illness, disability, or advanced age.
4. Work Assignments: Based on their fitness categories, prisoners were assigned to different work details within the camp or sent to external work sites. Those who were deemed unfit for work were typically assigned to barracks duties or other light tasks.
5. Re-Evaluations: Periodic re-evaluations were conducted to monitor the fitness levels of prisoners and adjust their work assignments accordingly. Those who showed improvement might be moved to a higher fitness category, while those whose conditions deteriorated could be reclassified as unfit for work.
It's important to note that the fitness assessments were often subjective and could be influenced by factors such as the camp administration's labor needs, prejudice, or the individual doctor's biases. As a result, many prisoners were forced to work beyond their physical capabilities, leading to exhaustion, illness, and even death.