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A manual materials handling study of bag lifting
American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal
|August 1, 1984
Summary
Bag fullness and handles did not alter physiological responses during lifting. However, maximum acceptable weight lifted increased with fuller bags and handles, suggesting improved ergonomics for bag lifting tasks compared to box lifting.
Area of Science:
- Ergonomics
- Biomechanics
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Manual material handling tasks are common in various industries.
- Understanding factors influencing lifting capacity is crucial for preventing injuries.
- Previous research has explored box lifting, but bag lifting ergonomics require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of bag fullness (70% vs. 95%) and handle availability on physiological and psychophysical responses during lifting.
- To compare the biomechanics of bag lifting versus box lifting.
Main Methods:
- Physiological and psychophysical measurements were recorded during simulated bag lifting tasks.
- Two levels of bag fullness and the presence or absence of handles were manipulated.
- A comparative analysis with box lifting tasks was performed.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in physiological responses were observed for a 20.4 kg load based on bag fullness or handle availability.
- The maximum acceptable weight of lift significantly increased when bags had handles or were 95% full.
- Bag lifting tasks allowed for a higher maximum acceptable weight (2.21 kg greater) than box lifting tasks.
Conclusions:
- While physiological strain remains similar, bag fullness and handles enhance perceived lifting capacity.
- Ergonomic improvements in bag design (fullness, handles) can increase the maximum acceptable weight for lifting.
- Bag lifting may be ergonomically more favorable than box lifting under certain conditions.