CORRELATION OF INJURY OCCURRENCE DATA WITH ESTIMATED MAXIMAL AEROBIC CAPACITY AND BODY-COMPOSITION IN A HIGH-FREQUENCY MANUAL MATERIALS HANDLING TASK

This article evaluates the correlation between injury occurrence, step test estimated maximal aerobic capacity ((V) over dot O-2max),and bod y composition in a high-frequency manual materials handling task. The study used 212 highly trained male manual material handlers working fo r a major materials handling company. Three locations across the Unite d States (western, midwestern, and southeastern) were chosen based on similarity of size and function. An estimated maximal aerobic capacity was obtained for each participant using a submaximal bench step proto col. Also, a percentage body fat estimation was randomly obtained for approximately 25% of the participants. The correlation between injury occurrences, absolute (V) over dot O-2max, relative (V) over dot O-2ma x, and percentage body fat were analyzed. Also, the relationship betwe en both (V) over dot O-2max estimations and percentage body far was an alyzed. Finally, the correlation between location, (V) over dot O-2max , and percentage body fat was studied. Results indicated no significa nt difference between absolute (V) over dot O-2max, injury, or percent age body far. Relative (V) over dot O-2max suggested a significant rel ationship with injury occurrences and body composition. Body compositi on also indicated a significant correlation with injury occurrences. F inally, location played a significant factor in injury occurrence, ste p test estimated (V) over dot O-2max, and estimated body composition. This investigation demonstrates significant evidence of the predictabi lity of employee injury occurrence and the fitness estimation methods used. In a high-frequency manual materials handling task, high occurre nces of injury were significantly correlated with low estimated relati ve maximal aerobic capacity and high estimated percentage body fat.