Citation

Golsse JM, Rickards J. Int. J. Ind. Ergonomics 1990; 5(3): 243-253.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1990, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The accident frequency rate of forestry field mechanics is eight times the industry average. A contributing factor is physical fatigue caused by energy-demanding tasks, difficult working positions, and hostile environmental conditions.the heart rate/oxygen uptake method was used to determine human energy expenditure levels for eight specific maintenance activities. Eight work positions were also identified, and their energy expenditure levels were recorded.Mean daily shift-level energy expenditures were found to be in excess of 10,000 kJ, equivalent to a continuous average output above 20.0 kJ per minute. The most energy-demanding task was removing engine protection plates. The most energy-demanding position was standing, with the body bent forward at the waist, over some obstacle.

It is concluded that maintenance mechanics routinely work at 33% of their predicted maximal oxygen uptake level, a value that is considered to be at the top of the acceptable range for physically active male workers. At this level, the potential for an accident situation is high.