Using A Physiological Job Heaviness Assessment Technique to Idehtify High Demand Elements in Production Work

Abstract

Subjective ratings of jobs have, in the past, often labeled them as heavy. This has tended to bias hiring into these positions towards physically stronger people. This paper details an investigation of a job in a printing department of a pharmaceutical corporation. While large differences in physical work capacity were found between subjects, actual on-the-job measurements of these people showed that it was not beyond their individual abilities. All employees used approximately the same percentage of physical work capacity while doing the task. Certain heavy elements were identified and discussed. Possible redesign of these heavy elements were recommended.