Overview of the Lumbar Motion Monitor

Agenda Low Back Job Analysis Use of the NIOSH Lift Equation Use of the LMM Introducing the Lumbar Motion Monitor (LMM) LMM Background & Research LMM Components/Hardware LMM Demonstration

Use of The NIOSH Lift Equation UAW-GM accepted second level tool; Easy to measure variables and quick calculation; Easy to consider job alternatives, changes and different scenarios for job resolutions; NIOSH is mapped to the RFC questions.

Use of The LMM Is measurement hardware; Measures dynamic aspects of the spine; Measures responses of a particular subject; Initially will be time-consuming to set up and use; Will be used in field trials.

NIOSH Lift Equation and the LMM The NIOSH lift equation remains UAW-GM PRIMARY tool for the analysis of lifting tasks and low back conditions LMM Is available for trial use and feedback from plants; Need to explore its potential, applications and usefulness associated with back injuries or complaints.

LMM Background & Research

LMM Comparisons with Other Tools (note – replaces statistics slide) Other tools are largely based on static criteria. Other tools may not distinguish low-risk from high-risk lifting tasks. NIOSH 1981 – tends to identify jobs as safe that are not. NIOSH 1991 – tends to identify jobs as being risky when they were not. UAW-GM interpretation strategy compensates for the differences between NIOSH 81/NIOSH91

LMM Potential Analysis Approach Identified job with ergonomic related low back injury Confirmation with medical Complete NIOSH analysis and review results Does NIOSH indicate a problem? Determine dynamic component of job, examples” Is there rapid movement of the spine? Is there significant side-bending, twisting or flexion in the lift? Is the posture of the spine constrained? May consider using the LMM

LMM Components/Hardware

LMM Demonstration