DR. FATIMA ZEHRA (Physical Therapist) School of Physiotherapy, IPMR Dow University of Health Sciences ERGONOMICS OF LIFTING

 To move something to a higher position is called “lifting”  Lifting is researched by many scientists from different disciplines in order to explore its positive or negative effect under the environments DEFINITION

 Lift and bend the waist and extend the upper body, this changes the back alignment and the center of balance (center of mass) in the abdomen. Consequently, the spine has to support both the weight of the upper body and the weight of the load being lifted or lowered.  More than one million workers suffer back injuries account annually in USA LIFTING MECHANICS

 Traditionally, one of the first and most easily applied administrative controls to prevent the high incidence of low back injuries at the work site is training the workers to lift in a biomechanics  Stoop Lift The stoop lift is a maneuver that typically requires maximal flexion of the trunk and as near to terminal extension of the knees (without locking) as possible LIFTING TECHNIQUES

 Squat Lift The squat lift requires knee flexion >90 degrees and trunk flexion <30 degrees  Semi-Squat Lift The semi-squat lift shares characteristics of the stoop and squat. As can be seen in the semi-squat uses a posture calling for knee flexion >45 degrees and trunk flexion at approximately the same angulation the greater anterior tilt of the pelvis with this approach in comparison with the other lifts, promoting a lumbar lordosis.

 Freestyle Lift Additional lifting styles deserve attention, as they have been reported in the literature. These include the freestyle lift. This lift resembles in most respects the semi-squat but can differ from person to person. It is this variability that makes it difficult to examine during controlled studies.  Load Kinetic Lift The load kinetic lift requires a closer approximation of the load to the body just before the initial acceleration moment

 Plan the workflow to eliminate unnecessary lifts  Organize the work so that the physical demands and work pace increase gradually.  Minimize the distances loads are lifted and lowered  Position pallet loads of materials at a height that allows workers to lift and lower within their power zone  Avoid manually lifting or lowering loads to or from the floor. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES FOR SAFER LIFTING

 For loads that are unstable and/or heavy: - Tag the load to alert workers. - Test the load for stability and weight before carrying the load. - Use mechanical devices or equipment to lift the load. - Reduce the weight of the load by: > Putting fewer items in the container.  Using a smaller and/or lighter-weight container.  Reduce the frequency of lifting and the amount of time employees perform lifting tasks by: - Rotating workers in lifting tasks with other workers in non-lifting tasks. - Having workers alternate lifting tasks with non-lifting tasks.

CONCLUSION The analysis of lifting, and the inherent risk factors associated with it, is an ongoing process. The review of evidence literature reveals that there is no particular lifting technique that is superior to another, but there are a number of principles that need to be observed when an individual is exposed to a potentially difficult and injury-producing attempt. To repeat these include the following:

 Maintain the load as close to the body as possible  Ensure adequate hand couple  Maintain the lumbar spine in as much of a lordotic curve as possible  Lift in the sagittal plane, and avoid extraneous multi planar movement patterns  Ensure proper footing  Lift slowly  Use the lifting technique (stoop, squat, semi-squat) best suited for the situation

 Ergonomics for the Therapist by Karen Jacobs 3 rd edition.  Articles on ergonomics REFERENCES