Load Characteristics and Manual Carrying Capabilities

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Abstract
This paper reports the results of an investigation conducted to determine the influence of certain load characteristics on the carrying capabilities of male workers. The effects of load density, location of load center of gravity, and load orientation were studied. Using the psychophysical methodology, subjects determined the maximum weight they were willing to carry in containers of different configuration, over prescribed distances. Statistical analysis of the data showed that load density and its c.g. location significantly influence carrying capabilities of males. The influence of load orientation on carrying capabilities was not critical. A comparison was also made between the carrying capacity of students, employed in this study, and industrial workers. Compared to the industrial population, students carried significantly lower amounts of weight. Since the isometric strengths of the two populations were comparable, age and experience on the job appear to be the logical factors contributing to this difference. The findings of this study were similar to the previous findings for lifting activities.

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