Abstract
This study evaluated the correlation between injury occurrence, step test estimated maximal aerobic capacity [ ], and body composition in a high frequency manual materials handling task. The study used 212 highly trained male manual material handlers working for a major materials handling company. Three locations across the United States were chosen based on similarity of size and function (West, Midwest, and Southeastern United States). An estimated maximal aerobic capacity was obtained for each participant using a submaximal bench step protocol. Also, a percent body fat estimation was randomly obtained for approximately 25% of the participants. The correlations between injury occurrences, absolute [ ]relative [ ] and percent body fat were analyzed. Also, the relationship between both [ ]estimations and percent body fat was analyzed. Finally, the correlations between location, [ ] and percent body fat were studied. Results indicated no significant difference between absolute [ ] injury, or percent body fat. Relative [ ]suggested a significant relationship with injury occurrences and body composition. Body composition also indicated a significant correlation with injury occurrences. Finally, location played a significant factor in injury occurrence, step test estimated [ ] and estimated body composition. This study demonstrated significant evidence to the predictability of employee injury occurrence and the fitness estimation methods used. In a high frequency manual materials handling task, high occurrences of injury were significantly correlated with low estimated relative maximal aerobic capacity and high estimated percent body fat.
Craig, Brian Nichols (1995). Correlation of injury occurrence data with estimated maximal aerobic capacity and body composition in a high frequency manual materials handling task. Master's thesis, Texas A&M University. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /ETD -TAMU -1995 -THESIS -C73.