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Evaluating horizontal distance measurements in ergonomic risk assessments for lifting tasks
Hernandez, Juan
Hernandez, Juan
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2025-04-25
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Hernandez, Juan. 2025. Evaluating horizontal distance measurements in ergonomic risk assessments for lifting tasks. -- In Proceedings: 24th Annual Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Forum. Wichita, KS: Wichita State University, p. 4
Abstract
Back injuries are a significant concern in the manufacturing industry, often resulting from manual lifting and lowering tasks. The external moment, created by the weight of a load and its horizontal distance from the body, is a key risk factor for low back injuries. Two widely used ergonomic assessment methods—the Revised NIOSH Lifting Equation (RNLE) and the Lifting Fatigue Failure Tool (LiFFT)—quantify this risk using different horizontal distance measurements. LiFFT measures from the hip to the hands, while the RNLE measures from the mid-point between the ankles to the hands. This study examines whether these measurements can be used interchangeably to improve efficiency in risk assessments. Using an infrared motion capture system, these horizontal distances were quantified as participants lifted a box from ten different horizontal reach distances and vertical height zone combinations. Statistical analysis revealed statistically significant differences (p<0.05) in moment arm measurements in 7 of the 10 lifting conditions. The 3 lifting conditions that are not statistically significant are at the Knee vertical height. Mean hip-tohands distances (LiFFT approach) were generally greater than ankle-to-hands distances (RNLE approach), with differences ranging from -3.72 to 3.75 inches depending on the lifting zone. These findings indicate that the measurements used in RNLE and LiFFT are not interchangeable, as they provide distinct biomechanical insights that influence lifting risk.
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First place winner of poster presentations for Applied Sciences at the 24th Annual Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Forum (URCAF) held in the Woolsey Hall, Wichita State University, April 25, 2025.
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Wichita State University
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URCAF;v.24