title: Shouldering the load: A review of Joan Stevenson's work on occupational lifting and design evaluation of load carriage equipment.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In this paper, Dr. Joan Stevenson's work on assessment of the effects of lifting, supporting and transporting loads is reviewed. A defining attribute of this work is the use of objective, biomechanical measures as the basis from which a fuller understanding of all factors affecting worker performance can be obtained, and how such performance should be measured and evaluated.
  
  
  METHODS
  The central objectives and conclusions of Dr. Stevenson's research programs spanning the years from 1985 through 2012 are summarized and discussed in terms of an overall research trajectory.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The guiding principle of Dr. Stevenson's work is to reduce the potential harm to which workers are exposed through the development of bona fide occupational standards, a better understanding of risk factors leading to low back pain, and the establishment of an enhanced objective design process for functional load-bearing clothing and equipment.
authors.affiliation: School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
authors.forename: Patrick A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Costigan
authors.affiliation: School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
authors.forename: Evelyn L
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Morin
authors.affiliation: School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
authors.forename: Susan A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Reid
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D006804:Ergonomics; D006801:Humans; D017770:Lifting / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016272:Occupational Health / Q000592:standards*; D011482:Protective Devices; D016474:Weight-Bearing
keywords: Occupational standards; biomechanical measures; ergonomic design; load bearing; low back pain; objective quantitative assessment