Citation

Ayoub MA. J. Occup. Accid. 1982; 4(1): 1-23.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1982, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

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PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Much has been written and discussed concerning the hazards of manual lifting tasks. The literature, the industrial experience and the injury statistics all support the inevitable conclusion that the problem is real and that its far-reaching roots in the workplace are unparalleled in industry. Yet we still have to find a remedy which can either be implemented in industry or which can at least be effective under all task and workplace conditions. In the interim, however, the literature offers three solution approaches that can be used separately or collectively for controlling lifting hazards: (a) hazard control through training in safe lifting, (b) control of employee exposure through pre-employment strength testing, and (c) control of job demands through the adoption of workloads acceptable for the industrial population. The principles and philosophies of each of the three approaches are detailed and discussed. The strengths and weaknesses of each approach are also summarized and assessed.