Abstract
PurposeCollecting waste is regarded as a benchmark for “particularly heavy” work. This study aims to determine and compare the workload of refuse workers in the field. We examined heart rate (HR) and oxygen uptake as parameters of workload during their daily work. MethodsSixty-five refuse collectors from three task-specific groups (residual and organic waste collection, and street sweeping) of the municipal sanitation department in Hamburg, Germany, were included. Performance was determined by cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) under laboratory conditions. Additionally, the oxygen uptake (VO2) and HR under field conditions (1-h morning shift) were recorded with a portable spiroergometry system and a pulse belt.ResultsThere was a substantial correlation of both absolute HR and VO2 during CPX [HR/VO2R 0.89 (SD 0.07)] as well as during field measurement [R 0.78 (0.19)]. Compared to reference limits for heavy work, 44 % of the total sample had shift values above 30 % heart rate reserve (HRR); 34 % of the individuals had mean HR during work (HRsh) values that were above the HR corresponding to 30 % of individual maximum oxygen uptake (VO2,max). All individuals had a mean oxygen uptake (VO2,1h) above 30 % of VO2,max.ConclusionHR as well as the measurement of VO2 can be valuable tools for investigating physiological workload, not only under laboratory conditions but also under normal working conditions in the field. Both in terms of absolute and relative HR and oxygen consumption, employment as a refuse collector should be classified in the upper range of defined heavy work. The limit of heavy work at about 33 % of the individual maximum load at continuous work should be reviewed.
Highlights
The organized collecting of waste is essential for a functioning community; there is no explicit job qualification connected with, and the work of garbage collectors receives little scientific attention
heart rate (HR) as well as the measurement of VO2 can be valuable tools for investigating physiological workload, under laboratory conditions and under normal working conditions in the field. Both in terms of absolute and relative HR and oxygen consumption, employment as a refuse collector should be classified in the upper range of defined heavy work
All 61 subjects who could participate in the cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) had normal ECG readings and took no HR-affecting drugs
Summary
The organized collecting of waste is essential for a functioning community; there is no explicit job qualification connected with, and the work of garbage collectors receives little scientific attention. Collecting waste is described as physically demanding work and as being the cause of various physical disorders with respiratory, gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal symptoms (Kuijer and Frings-Dresen 2004; Kuijer et al 2010). This work is regarded as a benchmark for “ heavy” work. The definition of “heavy work” is based so far only on the assumption that the endurance limit is 30 % respectively 33 % of the maximum load capacity, taking into account load peaks, manual work, and harmful temperatures (Ilmarinen et al 1991; Rutenfranz et al 1976). The determination of an “upper limit” is essential for defining the “reasonableness” of a work—in the sense of the absence of excessive risks to health. There are presently no indications, showing how the physical performance is with this
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