ABSTRACT
Just as the biochemistry of the human body limits our tolerance to toxic substances, physiological characteristics govern the range of human interaction with the physical conditions of the workplace. Temperature, noise, vibration, illumination, machine design, and materials handling must be within the range of human tolerance and the ergonomics literature deals extensively with the work conditions which can be considered optimal. The full range of human adaptability may well be the key concept in the critical area of ergonomics, particularly when women workers are being evaluated in relation to their work environment and where we can usually only rely on empirical studies of experienced workers. Currently, possible changes in women’s work capacity can only be indirectly examined in light of studies in exercise physiology. Unfortunately, very few efforts have been directed to the needs of women in jobs where lifting involves human loads, that is, in nursing and child care.
