- Email: [email protected]
Human capabilities in repetitive lifting
approach to this situation has been to establish exactly who needs the information and also what they need and then to tailor its presentation to the specific needs of each group. The audience within ITT consists of three main groups: systems designers, quality assurance personnel, and thirdly, most important of all, the users of VDUs. It was apparent that not only did each group have different information requirements but that the most effective means of communication was different in each case. The information for systems designers was produced as a text containing detailed technical information, emphasis being placed on a simple but effective crossreferencing system to make the information more accessible. A checklist was developed for the second group, summarising the desirable characteristics to look for in VDUs and work-stations. The needs of the VDU user, however, were more for explanation and advice on how to avoid problems. The result was a concise brochure relying heavily on illustration as a means of communication. In order to ensure that the right people are reached and that each gets the information they require, the documents will be supplemented by a tape/slide presentation covering the major problems connected with VDUs and making it easier to isolate the real problems. Site surveys are recommended in each case to enable specific requirements to be taken into account. The authors hope this approach - tailoring information and its presentation to the specific situation and the specific problem will enable them to use the information they now have more effectively to solve real problems in practical situations. 15.2.7 (85525)
Whiteside, J., et al How do people really use text editors? In: SIGOA Conference on Office Information Systems, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, June 2 1 - 2 3 , 1982, Edited by J.O. Limb ACM SIGOA, New York, 1982, pp 2 9 - 4 0 . Keystroke statistics were collected on editing systems while people performed their normal work. Knowledge workers used an experimental editor, and secretaries used a word processor. Results show a consistent picture of free use patterns in both settings. Of the total number of keystrokes, text entry accounted for approximately ½, cursor movement for about ¼, deletion for about 1/8, and all other functions for the remaining 1/8. Analysis of keystroke transitions and editing states is also presented.
Clothing Research Journal, 1981, 9.1, 1 6 - 3 2 ; abstr in World Textile Abstracts.
Implications for past research, editor design, keyboard layout, and benchmark tests are discussed. 15.2.8 (85530)
Starr, S.J., Thompson, C.R., and Shute, S.J. Effects of video display terminals on telephone operators. Human Factors, 1982, 24.6, 6 9 9 - 7 1 1 . A self-administered questionnaire was completed by 145 Directory Assistance operators who used video display terminals (VDTs) to retrieve listings and by 105 control subjects who performed identical work except that they retrieved listings from printed paper records. The two groups exhibited few differences in their experience of work-related physical discomfort, in job satisfaction, or in their concerns about job security. Both groups were found to use eyeglasses and contact lenses to the same extent. VDT operators generally did not obtain special corrective lenses for work. The results show that replacing paper documents with VDTs need not adversely affect the comfort and morale of office workers.
Physiology, anthropometry and biomechanics 15.2.9 (85561)
Lemon, P.W.R., and Hermiston, R.T. Physiological profile of professional fire fighters. Journal of Occupational Medicine, 1977, 1 9 . 5 , 3 3 7 - 3 4 0 . This investigation assessed the physical characteristics, functional capacities, and body composition of 45 professional fire fighters, aged 23 to 49 years. Maximum oxygen uptake (1702 ), Recovery Oxygen Uptake, arm and leg strength all showed a negative linear relationship with age. On the other hand, percent body fat increased with age from 18% to 21%. Hand grip strength did not decline significantly as the grip strength values remained fairly constant for all of the fire fighters studied. Most of the data collected were considered to be within the normal range of the sedentary North American population. It was concluded from these data that professional fire fighters might well benefit from a training programme designed to develop and maintain a higher level of personal fitness. 15.2.10 (85599)
Green, M.E. Application of US Army women's anthropometric data to the derivation of hypothetical sizing/tariffing systems.
Factor analysis of selected sets of body measurements from a reduced battery of 47 variables in a 1977 US Army anthropometric survey has been used to select key body dimensions to form the basis of a sizing system. Detailed results of this work are reported. A brief outline is given of the subsequent work required to establish the size intervals, the body measurement data within each interval, and the ' t a r i f f (i e, the number of garments likely to be required in each size). 15.2.11 (85604)
Legg, S.J., and Pateman, C.M. Human capabilities in repetitive lifting. In: Proceedings of the Ergonomics Society's Conference 1983, Edited by K. Coombes. Taylor & Francis Ltd, London, 1983, pp 101-106. Eight healthy, fit, weU-trained young soldiers bimanuaUy lifted three loads (25, 50 and 75% of their maximal lifting capacity (MLC)) from the floor to a platform at waist height (40% stature) situated directly in front of them at lifting rates of 2, 3 and 4 lifts/min (75% MLC), 4, 6 and 8 lifts/ min (50% MLC) and at 8, 10 and 12 lifts/min (25% MLC) for 1 h or until they became exhausted or were unwilling or unable to continue or to maintain the prescribed lifting rate. The observed lifting duration was noted, or if the subject was not exhausted after 1 h of lifting, he estimated his lifting duration. Oxygen consumption (l?O 2 ) and heart rate (HR) were measured for 1 min each 10 min. For each load, the combined mean of the observed and estimated lifting durations were plotted against lifting rate to provide a graphical quantitative indication of maximum human capabilities in repetitive lifting tasks. The mean relationships between load and lifting rate at 50%, 35% and 23% l?O 2 max (determined for uphill treadmill running) and for a HR of 110 beats/min were also constructed and may provide a useful indication of the upper limits of tolerance for industrial workers undertaking repetitive lifting tasks for an 8 h work-day.
15.2.12 (85605)
Nicholson, A.S., Davis, P.R., and Pimble, J.M. An investigation of physical stresses in the maintenance of electricity cables. In: Proceedings of the Ergonomics Society's Conference 1983, Edited by K. Coombes. Taylor & Francis Ltd, London, 1983, pp 1 0 7 - 1 1 4 . It is universal practice for electricity to be transmitted to the consumer in
Applied Ergonomics
June 1984
143
Whiteside, J., et al How do people really use text editors? In: SIGOA Conference on Office Information Systems, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, June 2 1 - 2 3 , 1982, Edited by J.O. Limb ACM SIGOA, New York, 1982, pp 2 9 - 4 0 . Keystroke statistics were collected on editing systems while people performed their normal work. Knowledge workers used an experimental editor, and secretaries used a word processor. Results show a consistent picture of free use patterns in both settings. Of the total number of keystrokes, text entry accounted for approximately ½, cursor movement for about ¼, deletion for about 1/8, and all other functions for the remaining 1/8. Analysis of keystroke transitions and editing states is also presented.
Clothing Research Journal, 1981, 9.1, 1 6 - 3 2 ; abstr in World Textile Abstracts.
Implications for past research, editor design, keyboard layout, and benchmark tests are discussed. 15.2.8 (85530)
Starr, S.J., Thompson, C.R., and Shute, S.J. Effects of video display terminals on telephone operators. Human Factors, 1982, 24.6, 6 9 9 - 7 1 1 . A self-administered questionnaire was completed by 145 Directory Assistance operators who used video display terminals (VDTs) to retrieve listings and by 105 control subjects who performed identical work except that they retrieved listings from printed paper records. The two groups exhibited few differences in their experience of work-related physical discomfort, in job satisfaction, or in their concerns about job security. Both groups were found to use eyeglasses and contact lenses to the same extent. VDT operators generally did not obtain special corrective lenses for work. The results show that replacing paper documents with VDTs need not adversely affect the comfort and morale of office workers.
Physiology, anthropometry and biomechanics 15.2.9 (85561)
Lemon, P.W.R., and Hermiston, R.T. Physiological profile of professional fire fighters. Journal of Occupational Medicine, 1977, 1 9 . 5 , 3 3 7 - 3 4 0 . This investigation assessed the physical characteristics, functional capacities, and body composition of 45 professional fire fighters, aged 23 to 49 years. Maximum oxygen uptake (1702 ), Recovery Oxygen Uptake, arm and leg strength all showed a negative linear relationship with age. On the other hand, percent body fat increased with age from 18% to 21%. Hand grip strength did not decline significantly as the grip strength values remained fairly constant for all of the fire fighters studied. Most of the data collected were considered to be within the normal range of the sedentary North American population. It was concluded from these data that professional fire fighters might well benefit from a training programme designed to develop and maintain a higher level of personal fitness. 15.2.10 (85599)
Green, M.E. Application of US Army women's anthropometric data to the derivation of hypothetical sizing/tariffing systems.
Factor analysis of selected sets of body measurements from a reduced battery of 47 variables in a 1977 US Army anthropometric survey has been used to select key body dimensions to form the basis of a sizing system. Detailed results of this work are reported. A brief outline is given of the subsequent work required to establish the size intervals, the body measurement data within each interval, and the ' t a r i f f (i e, the number of garments likely to be required in each size). 15.2.11 (85604)
Legg, S.J., and Pateman, C.M. Human capabilities in repetitive lifting. In: Proceedings of the Ergonomics Society's Conference 1983, Edited by K. Coombes. Taylor & Francis Ltd, London, 1983, pp 101-106. Eight healthy, fit, weU-trained young soldiers bimanuaUy lifted three loads (25, 50 and 75% of their maximal lifting capacity (MLC)) from the floor to a platform at waist height (40% stature) situated directly in front of them at lifting rates of 2, 3 and 4 lifts/min (75% MLC), 4, 6 and 8 lifts/ min (50% MLC) and at 8, 10 and 12 lifts/min (25% MLC) for 1 h or until they became exhausted or were unwilling or unable to continue or to maintain the prescribed lifting rate. The observed lifting duration was noted, or if the subject was not exhausted after 1 h of lifting, he estimated his lifting duration. Oxygen consumption (l?O 2 ) and heart rate (HR) were measured for 1 min each 10 min. For each load, the combined mean of the observed and estimated lifting durations were plotted against lifting rate to provide a graphical quantitative indication of maximum human capabilities in repetitive lifting tasks. The mean relationships between load and lifting rate at 50%, 35% and 23% l?O 2 max (determined for uphill treadmill running) and for a HR of 110 beats/min were also constructed and may provide a useful indication of the upper limits of tolerance for industrial workers undertaking repetitive lifting tasks for an 8 h work-day.
15.2.12 (85605)
Nicholson, A.S., Davis, P.R., and Pimble, J.M. An investigation of physical stresses in the maintenance of electricity cables. In: Proceedings of the Ergonomics Society's Conference 1983, Edited by K. Coombes. Taylor & Francis Ltd, London, 1983, pp 1 0 7 - 1 1 4 . It is universal practice for electricity to be transmitted to the consumer in
Applied Ergonomics
June 1984
143