Authors:

Gerald Obuseh

Date Created:

Not specified

Course Title:

Professor:

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About Paper:

Musculoskeletal injuries, such as strains, sprains, and back pain, pose significant challenges to workers' health and well-being. This study explores the application of the NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) Lifting Equation as an effective tool for preventing musculoskeletal injuries in various occupational settings. The objective was to examine lifting practices and their impact on injury risk among 120 external participants. Four lifting tasks involving boxes weighing 1 pound, 5 pounds, 10 pounds, and 15 pounds were completed, and participants rated their self-perceived exertion using the standardized Borg scale. The study implemented an ergonomic redesign, including lifting tasks in ascending order of weight and bringing the table closer to the participants to minimize lifting distance and twisting. The results showed that the lifting index indicated a safer condition (<1.0) and low lifting risk for the healthy population. The study also highlights the economic implications of adopting the NIOSH Lifting Equation, emphasizing the potential for substantial cost savings through optimized lifting practices. This research underscores the importance of applying the NIOSH Lifting Equation as a preventive measure to reduce musculoskeletal injuries, improve worker health, and enhance organizational productivity.

Source:

Purdue University / 2023

Topics:

No topics listed

Co-authors:

Gerald Obuseh