Question

The acceptable work load for average Indian workers is about

• A. 35 % of individual's maximum aerobic power (VO_2max)
• B. 50 % of individual's maximum aerobic power (VO_2max)
• C. 65 % of individual's maximum aerobic power (VO_2max)
• D. 80 % of individual's maximum aerobic power (VO_2max)

Hint:

Remember that a workload sustainable for a full working day must be well below an individual's maximum oxygen consumption capacity.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Maximum aerobic power, VO2max, is the highest rate at which a person's body can take in and use oxygen during hard physical work. Working at or near this maximum cannot be sustained for a full working day, it leads to rapid fatigue.

Step 2: Ergonomics studies on Indian agricultural and industrial workers have found that a workload sustainable across a full 8 hour shift, without excessive fatigue or a fall in productivity, works out to only a modest fraction of VO2max.

Step 3: This acceptable continuous workload for the average Indian worker has been established at about 35 percent of the individual's VO2max. Working consistently at 50, 65 or 80 percent of VO2max, as in the other options, would be too demanding to sustain over a full working day and would cause excessive physiological strain.

Step 4: So the acceptable workload for average Indian workers is about 35 percent of VO2max, option 1.