2. Overview of the Lumbar Motion Monitor

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. LMM Background & Research

16. 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

19. 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

20. LMM Components/Hardware

30. LMM Demonstration