The Cost of Work on a Vehicle Assembly Line

Abstract

Abstract The physiological cost of work on men working on a truck assembly line was measured. Twenty subjects took part in the study: all had their heart rates measured during work, leisure and sleep. Thirteen subjects had their oxygen consumption measured at work using a newly described respirometer (Miser). Results confirmed that such work may be classified as light industrial with an energy expenditure of 120-200 W Mean heart rates during work were 91 ± SD 8 bt min-1;, mean relative work load was 24 ± SD 4% and mean relative heart rates were 21 ± SD 7%. The mean of the ratios of work, sleep and leisure: sleep heart rates were 1 -45 ± SD 015 and 1-28 ± SD 012 respectively.