The effects of box size, frequency and extended horizontal reach on maximum acceptable weights of lifting

Abstract In the development of our present manual materials handling (MMH) guidelines (Ergonomics 34 (1991) 1197), the assumption was made that the effects of frequency on maximum acceptable weights (MAWs) of lifting with a large box (hand distance, 38 cm from chest) were similar to frequency effects on MAWs of lifting with a small box (hand distance, 17 cm from chest). The first purpose of the present experiment was to investigate this assumption. The second purpose was to study the effects of extended horizontal reach lifting (hand distance, 48 cm from chest) on MAWs as a confirmation of the results of a previous study on this variable. Lastly, we studied the effects of high frequency (20 lifts/min) on MAWs of lifting. Eight male industrial workers performed 15 variations of lifting using our psychophysical methodology. As expected, the results revealed that MAWs of lifting with the large box was significantly effected by frequency. Frequency factors based on the 1 lift/min task illustrated less change to higher frequencies (>1 lift/min) and more change to slower frequencies ( Relevance to industry: Lifting is the most common MMH task but certain variables such as large containers and extended hand distance have been given considerably less attention in research. This study investigated these select variables of lifting in an effort to improve estimation of MAWs for ergonomic redesign.

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