I.

Objectives

The designed experiment aims to achieve the following objectives:

● Measure variables and determine multipliers in relation to the NIOSH Lifting
Equation
● Analyze the a common manual lifting task done in Households such as the
loading and unloading of grocery
● Compute for the Recommended Weight Limit and Lifting index of the manual
lifting task done
● Asses if the lifting method is safe for the worker
● Formulate recommendations on how to improve lifting tasks and minimize unsafe
and uncomfortable lifting practices

II. Methodology

Experiment Design
The experiment was aimed to simulate and apply the concepts from the National Institute
for Occupational Safety and Health's (NIOSH) Lifting Equation. It focuses on a lifting task that
is frequently done in Filipino households. The main task is to lift one sack of rice from Point A
(vehicle) to Point B ( table).

This experiment aims to analyze a common task done in one’s household which involves
loading and unloading groceries. For this experiment, the group member assigned would have to
lift and transport the sack of rice using two different methods. The first method would be the
standard or typical manner of lifting, in which the person places the sack of rice in front of him
while his knees and arms are slightly bent (see Figure 1). Figure 2, on the other hand, illustrates
the second lifting technique where the rice sack is lifted using the back, this time with the sack
behind the lifter rather than in front of them. All task variables such as the distance between two
points, weight of the sack, angles and other components needed for the lifting equation are
measured and recorded by the single experimenter assigned by the group. The in depth details
regarding the experiment are discussed in the methodology section of this paper.
 Figure 1. Second Method Used
Figure 1. First Method Used
Materials
As mentioned above, the experiment focuses on lifting a sack of rice from one’s vehicle
to the unloading area. Thus, the experiment would be needing one (1) sack of rice weighing 11
kilograms. A measuring tape is also used to measure the distances between two points while a
goniometer application is used as an instrument to measure the angles in which the object is
being lifted. All of which are inputted into the NIOSH Job Analysis Worksheet which is seen in
Table 1 - 3. The said worksheet will be used to determine the multipliers, calculate the
Recommended Weight Limit (RWL), and lifting index. Lastly, a smartphone will be used as a
stopwatch to measure the duration of the task and as a camera to capture images of the
experimenter’s posture.

Location
The chosen group member's garage served as the location for the lifting activity. The
following figures below show the actual location as well as the layout with the corresponding
dimensions. The distances will be utilized in the succeeding computations needed for analysis.
 Figure 3. Experiment Set Up Figure 4. Layout

Experimental Procedure

Figure 5. Experimental Procedure

Figure 5 shows the overview of how the experiment was executed by the group. The
group began the experiment by obtaining the initial measurements such as the weight of the load
to be carried (sack of rice) as well as the distances of the two points. These values will be needed
not only in accomplishing the Job Analysis worksheet but also to determine the two methods of
lifting feasible for the experimenter.

The first method of lifting requires the member to lift the sack with slightly bent knees
and the sack of rice resting on bent forearms. He must then carry the sack until he reaches Point
B, a table inside the garage. The second method, in which the sack is lifted on his back, performs
the same task. As shown in Figure 2, the sack of rice, supported by his arm, is resting on the
experimenter's right shoulder. Furthermore, it is essential for the experimenter's companion to
record the activity's duration and take pictures since these will be utilized in the NIOSH lifting
equation and additional analysis. With the measured and observed data, the NIOSH Job Analysis
worksheet is accomplished. Following the calculation of the RWL and Lifting Index,
recommendations on how to handle the manual lifting activities are then developed.
III. Data Collection
Table 1. Task Variables
Freq Time
Hand Location Vert. Angle Object
Object Weight LIFTS/
Dstance HRS Coupling
MIN
Origin Dest. Origin Dest.
Avg Max H V H V D A A F
11 kgs 11 kgs 15 cm 53 cm 30 cm 94 cm 94 cm 91° 0 2 1 Poor

Table 2. Recommended Weight Limit (RWL)

LC HM VM DM AM FM CM RWL

Origin 23 1. 6667 0. 9340 0.8679 0.7088 0.4667 0.90 9.2514

Destination 23 0.8333 0.9430 0.8679 1 0.4667 0.90 6.5886

Table 3. Lifting Index

Weight RWL Lifting Index

Origin 11 kgs 9.2514 1.1890

Destination 11 kgs 6.5886 1.6696

-
IV. Discussion and Analysis - Newl

Generally lifting objects is a very common occurrence. Lifting per se is technically

carrying an object but in this experiment, lifting is defined as an act of carrying an object with

both hands and raising it to a higher elevation. There is a lot of science behind lifting, targeting

how to make it less of a strenuous activity hence, reducing risks to the person doing it. The usage

of the NIOSH Lifting equation in this experiment is quite simple; As seen in Table 3, the lifting
index is 1.1890 at the origin or start and it increases to 1.6696, this means that the physical stress

increased upon reaching the destination which is normal because of the displacement of the

person doing the experiment while lifting the object required more energy as to merely lifting the

object. Although, naturally a lifting index higher than 1.0 is considered to be of risk, hence even

at the point of origin the risks are already present. As seen in Table 2, multiple task variables

were recorded.

Figure 6. NIOSH Lifting Equation Variables

The RWL (Recommended Weight Limit) or the maximum acceptable weight that a certain

person should lift to reduce the risks of musculoskeletal disorders. As seen in Table 2. The RWL

for the origin is 9.2514 relatively higher than that of the destination. The lifting index is achieved

by dividing the weight with the RWL. Overall, with the gathered data, the weight of the origin

differentiates from the RWL by around 2.2 kg, which results in a 1.1890 Lifting index posing a
risk. Similarly, the weight of the destination shows higher potential risks as it has a bigger

difference from the RWL (roughly 4.5 kg).

V. Conclusion

This experiment aims to measure variables and determine multipliers in relation to the
NIOSH lifting equation. Common manual lifting task done in households such as loading and
unloading of grocery is analyzed. The Recommended Weight Limit and Lifting index of the
manual lifting task done is then computed. The results are then assessed is safe for the worker
and recommendations are then formulated on how to minimize the unsafe and uncomfortable
lifting pracfices.

For this experiment, a member is assigned to carry a sack of rice using 2 different
methods. The first method was a person with his knees and arms slightly bent whereas the
second method uses the persons with the sack behind rather than infront. All variables are then
measured and recorded. The RWL and Lifting Index are then calculated from the data collected.

As seen in the results, both the RWL and Lifing Index decreases from the origin to the
destination. This decrease is an indicator that the level of physical stress increases upon reaching
the destination since there is more force and energy that will be required. Due to the higher RWL
and Lifting Index, the destination poses a higher level of risk as compared to the origin point.

VI. Recommendations

In an everyday setting, workers are regularly exposed to the ergonomic hazards

associated with their tasks such as manual handling, tools and equipment, repetitive motions, and
poor posture which could lead to injuries if not prevented. For this experiment, lifting motion
associated in material handling tasks is analyzed and discussed through utilizing the NIOSH
lifting equation. According to Kaminskas (2001), manual load lifting tasks are considered
high-risk in terms of ergonomic hazards, which could lead to musculoskeletal injuries such as
strains, sprains, and other injuries in the long run. Moreover, the risk of injury increases when
awkward postures, insufficient space, over bending and twisting, and heavy loads are involved.
Through continuous lifting and handling activities, cumulative disorders and injuries could
gradually occur to the musculoskeletal system of a person (Kromodihardjo & Mital, 1987).
With that, it is important that improvements, preventive measures, and appropriate load and
lifting posture are established in order to show safe lifting practices and prevent injuries from
occurring.
Lifting heavy loads improperly or carrying loads that are beyond the recommended
weight are the most common hazards associated with lifting materials. Before lifting a load
immediately, it is important to thoroughly prepare and assess the load to be lifted in order to
determine ways on how to lessen the strain when lifting. First, it is recommended to lessen the
load when lifting as much as possible in order to fall within the recommended weight limit. This
can be accomplished by dividing the load and weight into batches. While more lifting is involved
with added batches, proper lifting posture while lifting loads within the RWL is a safer option.
When the load is too heavy, it is recommended that another person can help and aid in lifting in
order to distribute the weight between more people. This will lessen the strain of lifting,
especially with heavy loads, solely on a person and lessen the risk of injuries taking place. When
lifting and carrying the load, there are certain body postures to be checked and recommended to
lessen risks. When lifting, it is recommended to keep the load as close to the waist area or to the
center of gravity to have more balance, whilst keeping the elbows and arms close to the body.
Moreover, it is important to lift items by bending the knees and keeping the upper body upright
instead of exerting the back to prevent injuries to the back muscles. Bending your knees will
provide more support and stability when lifting heavier loads. In carrying the load, it is
recommended not to twist the body when turning and instead use the feet when changing
direction. In order to lessen fatigue when carrying, it is also recommended to set down the load
and take short breaks in between.

Control measures can also be established in order to lessen and prevent risks associated
with lifting tasks. First, it is recommended that the layout of the working area can be redesigned
and changed in a way that would minimize the distance and lifting needed. As much as possible,
keep the destination closer to the point of lifting the item in order to lessen the distance needed to
 cover while lifting and carrying the item. In this experiment, the destination of the item is a
working table. With this, it is suggested to ensure that the table is of appropriate height in order
to reduce awkward postures and exertion of the body when setting down the load. Lastly, it is
recommended to invest and utilize mechanical aids or tools such as pushcarts, forklifts, conveyor
belts, and more when lifting and transporting loads, especially with situations on a larger scale.

VII. References

Kaminskas, K. A. (2001). Ergonomic assessment of manual building work associated with

lifting tasks. Statyba, 7(5), 370–373. https://doi.org/10.1080/13921525.2001.10531756

Kromodihardjo, S., & Mital, A. (1987). Biomechanical analysis of manual lifting tasks.
Journal of Biomechanical Engineering, 109(2), 132–138.
https://doi.org/10.1115/1.3138655

VIII. Appendix