Work metabolism (WM) can be accurately estimated by oxygen consumption (VO 2 ), which is commonly assessed by heart rate (HR) in field studies. However, the VO 2 -HR relationship is influenced by individual capacity and activity characteristics. The purpose of this study was to evaluate three models for estimating WM compared with indirect calorimetry, during simulated work activities. The techniques were: the HR-Flex model; HR branched model, combining HR with hipworn accelerometers (ACC); and HR þ arm-leg ACC model, combining HR with wrist-and thighworn ACC. Twelve participants performed five simulated work activities and three submaximal tests. The HR þ arm-leg ACC model had the overall best performance with limits of agreement (LoA) of À3.94 and 2.00 mL/min/kg, while the HR-Flex model had À5.01 and 5.36 mL/min/kg and the branched model, À6.71 and 1.52 mL/min/kg. In conclusion, the HR þ arm-leg ACC model should, when feasible, be preferred in wearable systems for WM estimation.Practitioner Summary: Work with high energy demand can impair employees' health and life quality. Three models were evaluated for estimating work metabolism during simulated tasks. The model combining heart rate, wrist-and thigh-worn accelerometers showed the best accuracy. This is, when feasible, suggested for wearable systems to assess work metabolism.Abbreviations: ACC: accelerometer; EE: energy expenditure; HR: heart rate; LoA: limits of agreement; RAS: relative aerobic strain; REE: resting energy expenditure; RHR: resting heart rate; VO2: oxygen consumption; WM: work metabolism ARTICLE HISTORY