Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine if the amount of weight an employee was required to lift per day would affect the capabilities of that employee in terms of anthropometrics, aerobic capacity, dynamic strength and grip strength. In addition, this research was designed to compare worker capabilities with tasks regularly required in the work environment. Data was gathered on 442 (403 male, 39 female) experienced manual material handlers from a variety of companies with the intent of determining physical condition. Sample size varied among measures with data collected on working anthropometrics, oxygen consumption, dynamic strength, and grip strength. The participants were then divided into five groups to determine the effects of varying job demands. Both descriptive statistics and a single factor ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) were used to evaluate these results. A Tukey's test was used to compare the differences among means. Findings indicated that there was indeed a difference related to job demand. Statistically significant results were found for aerobic capacity, body weight, and age with employees in the jobs with lowest demand tending to be heavier, older and less aerobically fit. The percentage of females also declined as the demand of the job increased. In addition, results showed that a large percentage of workers were exceeding suggested values for aerobic capacity based on working energy expenditure. In response to these findings, suggestions were made: 1) to incorporate fitness programs into the regular work environment, 2) to determine appropriate values for acceptable working energy expenditure and 3) to provide improved information relating to effects of increased frequency on cardiovascular and biomechanical concerns. Furthermore, knowledge gained in this study regarding the capabilities of workers can be used for post selection job assignment designed to prevent injury and illness in the workplace.
Narvaez, Angela Marae (1998). Occupational requirements as compared to worker capabilities with respect to total weight lifted per day. Master's thesis, Texas A&M University. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /ETD -TAMU -1998 -THESIS -N37.