A psychophysical evaluation of NIOSH Lifting Equation in a Chinese young male population: a pilot study / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine the maximum acceptable weight of lift (MAWL) in a Chinese young male population, and examine whether the revised weight limit recommended by the US. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health can be used for Chinese workers.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eleven young male college students participated in the experiment. The psychophysical approach was used to determine the MAWL with the different frequencies of lift, the heart rate and the self-evaluation. The weight was lifted from the floor to the work-table (760 mm). The results were compared with the recommended weight limit (RWL) and the MAWL by Snook.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The MAWL of young male was 34.1 kg while the MAWL with frequency of 1, 4 and 8/min was 17.4, 14.7 and 12.2 kg respectively. The overall MAWL were lower than RWL of NIOSH and the results of Snook.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The NIOSH 1991 equation such as load constant and frequency multiple should be revised when the NIOSH limits is used in Chinese population.</p>