This investigation was developed in the work environment of charcoal production in a line of surface kilns located at 17º 27' w latitude and 45º 11' 5 longitude in the state of Minas Gerais from March to June 2003. The general objective of this work was to evaluate the worker profile and ergonomic conditions of the charcoal production activity in a line of surface kilns. The specific objectives of this work were: a) to evaluate the individual, social, economic and professional characteristics of the operator; b) to evaluate the type of weather at the work place (temperature); c) the evaluate the aerobic capacity of the worker. The methodology used was proposed by Couto (1996) apud (1987) and Sant'Ana (1998). Data analysis showed that the sampled individual is young, African descendant, married with few children and few financial dependants, low level of education, average height of 171.40 cm and average body weight of 68.40 Kg, 20% of illiteracy, mainly rural origin and catholic religion. The Wet Bulb Globe Thermometer Index (IBUTG) found in the charcoal production environment complied with the NR 15 regulation. The aerobic capacity in milliliters of oxygen per kilogram per minute showed an average value of 35.17 ml O2 / Kg /min, and the highest value was equal to 39.25 ml O2 / Kg /min.
Ergonomics; working conditions; charcoal pro
