Control of Manual Lifting Hazards II. Job Redesign

Abstract

Job content and workplace components can be altered to assure that lifting stresses remain within the acceptable limits defined for the industrial population-at-large. The plan for redesign advocates (1) maintaining the weight handled within the recommended limits; (2) modifying the workplace to enhance postural stability and to avoid handling weights and excessive physical loading; and (3) increasing available job time by reducing frequency of lifts and/or introducing appropriate rest periods. Limits recommended by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health on acceptable loads are reviewed.