Physical and muscular strain in Swedish tanker truck drivers

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Abstract
The aim of the investigation was to measure the physical and muscular strain in Swedish tanker truck drivers. Twenty-two drivers were studied in the laboratory and at their work. Heart rate recordings showed that the work was moderately strenuous. Dragging the hose from the tanker truck to the filler pipe was most strenuous. There was a significant increase in serum creatine kinase (S-CK) at the end of the week, which may be indicative of high local muscular strain. Measurements of tractive force showed that the average length which the hose was dragged horizontally over grass from the tanker truck to the filler pipe required between 38 and 61 % of maximum tractive force depending on the dimensions of the hose. The effects of uphill slopes and obstacles are also considered together with improvements aimed at reducing exertion.