The Adequacy of NIOSH Equation to to Determine the Rate of Stresses Exerted on the Back Based on Compressive Force Estimation

Abstract

Background: Manual handling may cause workers to deal with various risk factors. Workers performing such tasks repeatedly for a long time are more prone to bodily injuries and physical problems such as back pain. Objectives: The current study aimed to assess the compressive loads estimation and analysis of forces exerted on the workers' back in manual load lifting tasks using the national institute for occupational safety and health (NIOSH) equation and compare them with the recommended weight limit (RWL). Methods: It was a cross-sectional study in a laboratory setting on 15 healthy male workers in 2015. The participants were required to randomly perform 25 tasks with four iterations. The lifting index (LI) was calculated by NIOSH equation in simple tasks and compressive loads on the low back (L4/L5) for each task were calculated using the 3DSSPP. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16. Results:The results showed that the highest compressive force exerted on the back was equal to 4002 N and the lowest force 1425 N. Moreover, 76% of the tasks were reported to have the highest compressive force greater than the recommended limit; 72% of the tasks had an LI 1 -3 and 28% of them had an LI less than 1. There was a weak direct correlation between compressive force and RWL. Conclusions: The NIOSH equation and compressive force estimation function were partially similar to identify high-risk tasks, however, by the compressive force estimation, biomechanical analysis of tasks can be done better since it is quantitative and can determine the exact amount of forces exerted on the back.

Effect of Anthropometry on Maximum Acceptable Weight of Lift

“…A review of literature spanning 10 years (1997)(1998)(1999)(2000)(2001)(2002)(2003)(2004)(2005)(2006)(2007), placed the estimated LBP cost between $84.1 to $624.8 billion (Dagenais et al, 2008).MMH tasks have often been associated with low-back pain (LBP), one of the costliest injuries with occupational origins. Statistical findings suggest that about 50% of all back pain are related to manual lifting (Afshari et al, 2017a). According to a report by national institute for occupational safety and health (NIOSH), about 60% of compensations arising from physical damages are related to the activity of manual load lifting (Afshari et al, 2017b).…”

“…Statistical findings suggest that about 50% of all back pain are related to manual lifting (Afshari et al, 2017a). According to a report by national institute for occupational safety and health (NIOSH), about 60% of compensations arising from physical damages are related to the activity of manual load lifting (Afshari et al, 2017b).…”

Age-related injury risk curves for the lumbar spine for use in low-back-pain prevention in manual handling tasks

“…This criterion was first proposed in the 1981 original NLE and was maintained in the RNLE [5,6]. Until now, it is widely used as a major criterion for the assessment of manual lifting tasks [8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15].…”