NIOSHTIC-2 Publications Search
When is it safe to manually lift a patient?
Authors
Waters TR
Source
Am J Nurs 2007 Aug; 107(8):53-58
NIOSHTIC No.
20032713
Abstract
In 1994 the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) released the Revised NIOSH Lifting Equation-an ergonomics assessment tool that can be used to calculate the recommended weight limit for two-handed manual-lifting tasks. However, NIOSH excluded assessment of patient-handling tasks from the uses of the revised equation, arguing that such tasks involve too many variables. The equation in fact can be used to calculate a recommended weight limit for a limited range of patient-handling tasks in which the patient is cooperative and unlikely to move suddenly during the task. In general, the revised equation yields a recommended 35-lb. maximum weight limit for use in patient-handling tasks. When weight to be lifted exceeds this limit, assistive devices should be used.
Keywords
Statistical-analysis; Musculoskeletal-system; Physical-stress; Physical-capacity; Weight-factors; Work-analysis; Work-environment; Work-performance; Work-practices; Manual-lifting
CODEN
AJNUAK
Publication Date
20070801
Document Type
Journal Article
Email Address
trw1@cdc.gov
Fiscal Year
2007
Issue of Publication
8
ISSN
0002-936X
NIOSH Division
DART
Source Name
The American Journal of Nursing
State
OH
Page last reviewed: May 11, 2023
Content source:
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Education and Information Division