Development and Validation of a Posture Driven Tool to Estimate the Hazards of Manual Lifting

Abstract: The primary biomechanical criteria used are based upon maximum compression on L5/S1 disc. According to NIOSH’s report, it indicates that the workers with predicted compression force more than 3400N have higher risk of back problem, and most workers maybe suffer from back injury while the force reaches 6400N. Therefore, most studies adopt these two values as criteria for LBP risk assessment. A compression prediction program based upon Taiwanese anthropometric data was developed during the study. Furthermore, a validation was carried out by investigating manual lifting on LBP outpatients. 38 patients were randomly chosen as subjects in this study. Using prediction program developed, an investigation on compression force on L5/S1 disc for Taiwanese LBP workers is presented. The study results indicated a mean value of 4785N with a standard deviation of 1916N, while the mean value of male and female are 5155N and 3878N, respectively. These results suggest that, if the data were normally distributed, approximately 21% of workers who suffer LBP due to lifting had ultimate compression strength of less than 3400N. The computer program may be adopted as a tool for work design to reduce physical pain and money loss. It should benefit both lifting workers and their employers.

Keywords: Static Biomechanical model, Compression Force, Low Back, Lifting

DOI: 10.54941/10035

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