The energy cost of metalliferous mining operations in relation to the aerobic capacity of Indian miners.
Mining in India is still relatively unmechanized, and in the hot, humid, and noisy environment with uncomfortable postures, many work operations impose a considerable physiological strain. The physical characteristics, including aerobic capacities, of 54 workers in an Indian metalliferous mine have been studied, and their energy expenditures measured during long periods of work in different tasks. The mean VO2max was 2.32 +/- 0.6 l/min and the mean body mass was 60 +/- 4 kg. Averaged energy expenditures for different tasks ranged between 9.4 and 22.8 kJ/min and were usually more than 33% of the workers' maximal work capacity. Recommendations about reducing the stress of mining work are made.
Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad.
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Sinha
D000886:Anthropometry; D003300:Copper; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D007537:Isometric Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D008906:Mining; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology*; D011187:Posture; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016526:Workload
D003300:Copper