A review on NIOSH lifting equation applicability

Manufacturing and construction industries advance rapidly and hence work-related health problems are gaining importance. Musculoskeletal disorders like lower back pain is an example of work-related health concerns faced by industrialized nations. Such health concerns are of more significance in developing and under developed countries, where lack of standards result in such cases go unnoticed. Various tools are available to analyze injuries caused by manual lifting tasks, out of which National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) lifting equation is ofgreat significance. The NIOSH lifting equation recommends the maximum acceptable weight limit by hand lifting, and thereby reducing lower back injuries from manual lifting activities. This paper comprehensively reviews the evolution and advancements of factors and applicability of NIOSH lifting equation. Significant research on biomechanical aspects of this lifting equation is conducted recently. This paper further discusses the important factors in the NIOSH lifting equation specifically to Indian context.