Control of manual lifting hazards: II. Job redesign

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.