A Physiological Evaluation of Time Standards For Warehouse Operations as Set by Traditional Work Measurement Techniques

Abstract

This research studied physiological stresses to grocery order selectors. Sixty-three male workers from three different warehouses participated in the study. Oxygen uptake and heart rates were continuously recorded while the subjects performed their routine work. Performance levels of the workers were determined using the traditional work measurement techniques employed by the warehouses. The duration of the observations ranged from 12 to 65 min (mean 34 min) depending upon the size of the order and the pace of the worker. The mean performance levels (allowed time per order/actual time per order ∗ 100) were 119, 111 and 98% and the corresponding mean metabolic rates were 6.2, 6.0 and 8.3 Kcal/min and the mean heart rates were 110, 122, and 133 beats/min in warehouses 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Approximately, 24, 30 and 64% of the male workers failed to meet the 100% performance index in warehouses 1, 2 and 3, respectively, while their average energy expenditure rates were 6.3, 5.4 and 8.4 Kcal/min. There was no significant correlation between the energy expenditure and performance index and the heart rate and performance index. In terms of the physiological cost of work performed, there were inconsistencies within a warehouse and large differences between warehouses. Physiological requirements of the order selector's job are discussed.