Manual Lifting: A Guide to the Study of Simple and Complex Lifting Tasks

Commonly used throughout the world, manual lifting tasks whether simple or complex all involve variable loads, postures, and movements. This practical guide discusses how to analyze the intricate lifting function and prevent injury during its execution. Outlining revised NIOSH Lifting Equation (RNLE) methods, the book illustrates their use in assessing manual lifting tasks of varying degrees of difficulty. Using examples to reinforce presented concepts, it explains how RNLE methods can be applied to evaluate single, composite, variable, and sequential lifting tasks. It also explores how to interpret and apply the results according to international standards and guidelines.

Daniela Colombini is a Senior Research Fellow and the Manager of the Research Programs in Applied Ergonomics, Polo Technological in Don Gnocchi Foundation in Milan, Italy. Enrico Occhipinti is the Director of Centre for Occupational Medicine at Foundation Ca' Granda Policlinico, Milan, Italy. Thomas Waters is a Senior Safety Engineer at NIOSH, Human Factors and Ergonomics Research Team. Enrique Alvarez is with the Department of Industrial Engineering and Ergonomics at the Universitat Politecnica of Catalonia, Spain.