Energy Expenditures Requirement in Low Coal Mines *

Abstract

A biomechanical and work physiology study was conducted on low coal miners. The biomechanical analysis consisted of comparing the anthropometric and isometric strength characteristics of miners to other populations; the work physiology portion consisted of identifying demanding tasks via a task analysis, determining energy requirements for demanding tasks, and determining percentage of VO₂ max required for demanding tasks. Miners show increased musculature of those body segments most stressed in their work environment and few differences in strength compared to other groups. Highly demanding tasks identified were roof bolting, timbering, miner and bolter helper, shoveling, stoopwalking, and crawling. Energy expenditure estimates on underground tasks indicate that these tasks fall under the category of heavy work. Miners work up to 66% of their physical work capacity when performing their underground tasks. Work and rest schedules based on predicted endurance times for both male and female miners is discussed, along with biomechanical stresses on the body for certain tasks.