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Document ID (ISN)36062
CIS number 81-1484
ISSN - Serial title Cahiers de médecine du travail - Cahiers voor arbeidsgeneeskunde
Year 1980
Convention or series no.
Author(s) Rogowsky M., Vander Putten M., Malchaire J.
Title Trial improvement of working conditions on an automobile assembly line
Original title Essai d'amélioration des conditions de travail sur une chaîne de montage automobile. [in French]
Bibliographic information Dec. 1980, Vol.17, No.4, p.291-308. Illus. 11 ref.
Abstract An ergonomic analysis of physiological and environmental (noise) stress involved in disc-grinding sheet-metal brazings, in view of the high absenteeism and labour turnover for this work. Measurement of energy expenditure (VO2 ml/min) and heart rate (B/min) in 11 disc-grinders under real and sequential working conditions showed that the work tasks involving the greatest working stress are those in which the worker has his arms raised or in which he is leaning forward (increase in B/min and VO2 ml/min). Bicycle ergometer tests with the subject wearing shorts or work clothes showed that the type of clothing had little influence. Workers were found to be exposed to equivalent noise levels of 98.5dB(A). Engineering measures have reduced the physical workload and the noise levels.
Descriptors (primary) assembly-line work; heavy work; coachwork; motor vehicle industry; manual abrasive operations
Descriptors (secondary) noise; muscular work; measurement of work and effort; ergonomic evaluation; sheet-metal working; ergometric tests
Document type D - Periodical articles
Subject(s) Occupational physiology
Broad subject area(s)
Browse category(ies) Motor vehicle manufacturing industry