A Review of the NIOSH Lifting Equation and Ergonomics Analysis

Abstract:

The revised NIOSH Lifting Equation developed in 1991 is an ergonomic intervention assessment tool that used to calculate the recommended weight limit (RWL) for lifting tasks and to identify the hazardous lifting tasks. But this equation application is limited to those conditions for which it was designed and the different populations have different anthropometric distributions. This research will propose a solution to determine the effect of different manual lifting tasks on biomechanical, physiological and psychophysical limitation and develop the new automatic system tool to calculate the ideal RWL for Malaysian people for the working tasks perform. This new system tool which design according to the criteria of Malaysian people can increase the safe working environment for the workers.

• Periodical: Advanced Engineering Forum (Volume 10)
• Pages: 214-219
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AEF.10.214
• Online since: December 2013
• Authors: Nor Hafeezah Kamarudin*, Siti Anom Ahmad, Mohd. Khair Hassan, Rosnah Mohd Yusuff, Siti Zawiah Md Dawal
• Keywords: Biomechanical, Lifting Equation, Malaysian People, Physiological, Psychophysical

References

[1] F.E. Elfeituri, S.M. Taboun, An Evaluation of the NIOSH Lifting Equation: A Psychophysical and Biomechanical Investigation, International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics (2002) Vol. 8, No. 2, p.243–258.

DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2002.11076527

[2] S. Boda, A. Garg and N.C. Kyureghyan, Can the Revised NIOSH Lifting Equation Predict Low Back Pain Incidence in a 90-day-pain-free-cohort', Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting (2012).

DOI: 10.1177/1071181312561256

[3] T.R. Waters, V.P. Anderson, A. Garg and L.J. Fine, Revised NIOSH equation for the Design and Evaluation of Manual Lifting Tasks, Ergonomics (1993) Vol. 36, No. 7, pp.749-776.

DOI: 10.1080/00140139308967940

[4] Y.T. Medina, S. Vina, Evaluation and Redesign of Manual Material Handling in a Vaccine Production Centre's Warehouse, A Journal of Prevention, Assessment and Rehabilitation (2012) 2487-2491.

DOI: 10.3233/wor-2012-0486-2487

[5] S. Rud, An Ergonomic Analysis of the Current Lifting Techniques in Height Restricted Cargo Bins at Company XYZ, Thesis, University of Wisconsin-Stout (2011).

[6] A.T. Ali, Musculoskeletal Disorders in Electronic Frame Manufacturing, University of Wisconsin-Stout (2012).

[7] L.H. Shy, Ergonomic Intervention to Reduce the Risk of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) for Manual Materials Handling Tasks, Project Report, UTeM Malaysia (2008).

[8] W.J. Bowles, Evaluating Training Approaches for the Revised NIOSH Lifting Equation, University of Cincinnati (2011).

[9] M.H. Edin, Assesment of Manual Load Lifting for Workers in Construction Area, Thesis (2008).