Control of manual lifting hazards: III. Preemployment screening

In the control of manual lifting hazards an alternative to job redesign is preemployment screening and selection. With a screening procedure, lifting stresses can be controlled by effecting a match between job demands and human work capacity. This is predicated on the principle that jobs cannot be redesigned or changed to lower their demands. Accordingly, the hazard control strategy becomes one of selecting only those individuals with the capacity to perform the given job without excessive risk. An integrative screening program suited for physically demanding jobs is presented. Prerequisites for implementation of the program include (1) step testing at submaximal levels; (2) strength testing using three standard postures (arms, back and legs); and (3) determination of job demands expressed in terms of work output and strength requirements. The criteria for screening are based on the level of utilization of each of the principal determinants of human work capacity (energy expenditure, heart rate, and strength capability).