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Preemployment strength testing in selecting workers for materials handling jobs.

Authors
Chaffin-DB; Herrin-GD; Keyserling-WM; Foulke-JA
Source
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 1976 Oct; :1-186
Link
NIOSHTIC No.
00068646
Abstract
To prevent medical problems associated with physical exertion required in materials handling operations, over 900 jobs in 6 plants were evaluated via medical examination and isometric strength tests obtained in several postures, to establish the relative strength requirements of each job. The major findings of the study are: the activity of lifting heavy loads, especially when done frequently, is associated with increased numbers and severity of musculoskeletal incidents; weaker workers when performing high strength requiring activities, have an increased incidence and severity of musculoskeletal and contact type injuries; strength varies greatly in the working population and is not well predicted based on gender, age, body weight, or stature, strength which relates to personal risk of later injury can be equally assessed by testing a worker in postures which are standardized or which reflect the maximum load related postures required on the job. New in-depth biomechanical and metabolic job evaluation methodologies are also employed on selected jobs which demonstrate how re-engineering could be accomplished to reduce the potential for different types of musculoskeletal injuries. Recommendations are proposed for the development of an action level to control the hazards of excessive physical exertion for weaker workers, and type of strength testing. (Contract No. 099-74-0062)
Keywords
NIOSH-Publication; Physical-fitness; Physical-exercise; Workloads; Work-measurement; Preventive-medicine; Occupational-medicine; Medical-examinations; Physique; Preemployment-examinations; Skeletal-stress; Physical-capacity; Accident-prevention; Testing; Safety-measures; Musculoskeletal-system-disorders; Ergonomics; Physiology; Biodynamics; Contract-099-74-0062
Publication Date
19761001
Document Type
Final Contract Report
Funding Type
Contract
Fiscal Year
1977
NTIS Accession No.
PB89-196067
NTIS Price
A10
Identifying No.
Contract-099-74-0062
Priority Area
Musculoskeletal-system-disorders
Source Name
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
State
MI
Performing Organization
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Page last reviewed: April 12, 2019
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Education and Information Division