Physiological Work Load Analysis in Lifting and Lowering Plastic Container

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess physiological work load of manual handling works such as lifting and lowering plastic beverage container which have been considered to be causative for shoulder or back ache occurring in industrial fields. Energy metabolism in lifting and lowering works was closely related to the increase of handling load under given conditions. Both lifting and lowering works seemed ineffective in comparing bicycle ergometer task with higher O₂-debt ratio while they showed an equivalent level in heart rate in relation to handling amount (mkp/min). The most economical working frequency with the least O₂-requirement existed at around 10–15 times/min both in lifting and lowering works.