Field Evaluation of the Revised Niosh Lifting Equation

Abstract

The preliminary results of a prospective epidemiological study of the revised NIOSH lifting equation are presented. The baseline evaluations included assessment of lifting and lowering tasks with the revised NIOSH equation, as well as a questionnaire regarding personal variables. Subject follow-up was primarily accomplished through postal questionnaires, telephone interviews, and surveillance for workers' compensation claims for low-back disorders. The preliminary results reported are based on approximately 375 person-years of exposure; however, the follow-up period is still in progress. Important findings related to the usability of the revised NIOSH equation across several types of common exposures are also discussed.