A cross-validation of the NIOSH limits for manual lifting.
The psychophysical, biomechanical, and physiological criteria used in establishing the NIOSH limits for manual lifting were cross-validated against the data published by different researchers in the subject literature. Assessment of the 1991 NIOSH lifting equation indicated that: (1) NIOSH-based limits are significantly different from the psychophysical limits in the (i) low and high frequencies of lift, and (ii) small and large horizontal distances; (2) NIOSH limits are highly correlated with the data of Snook and Ciriello (1991) in the low frequency range, with the Recommended Weight Limit (RWL) protecting about 85% of the female population and 95% of the male population; (3) the 3.4kN limit for compression on the lumbosacral joint cannot protect the majority of the worker population on the basis of damage load concept; and (4) energy expenditure limits used in development of the RWL index can be sustained by 57 to 99% of worker population when compared to the physiological limits based on previous fatigue studies. Results of the cross-validation for psychophysical criterion confirmed the validity of assumptions made in the 1991 NIOSH revised lifting equation. However, the results of cross-validation for the biomechanical and physiological criteria were not in total agreement with the 1991 NIOSH model.
Hidalgo
J
J
Musculoskeletal Research Laboratory, University of Cincinnati, OH 45221-0116, USA.
Genaidy
A
A
Karwowski
W
W
Christensen
D
D
Huston
R
R
Stambough
J
J
D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017770:Lifting; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009314:National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, U.S.; D014481:United States