Study on the energy expenditure and physical fitness of dockyard workers

ABSTRACT

The energy expenditure and physical fitness of dock workers engaged in manual labour (carrying a 711 kg rice sack) is determined. It is found that they are expending 7.62 kcal/min and working at 72.04 percent of their maximal aerobic capacity. As the work iutensity exceeded 50 percent of their maximal aerobic capacity, it is suggested that for the workers to work safely either the weight of the rice sack should be reduced or select suitable type of man fitting to the task.