Evaluation of 1991 NIOSH Lifting Equation in Controlling the Biomechanical Loads of the Human Spine

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Lesani, Ali | 2014

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Type of Document: M.Sc. Thesis
Language: Farsi
Document No: 45925 (08)
University: Sharif University of Technology
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Advisor(s): Arjmand, Navid
Abstract:
The 1991 NIOSH Lifting Equation (NLE) is widely used to assess risk of injury to the spine by providing estimates of the recommended weight limit (RWL) in hands. The present study uses two biomechanical models of the spine to verify whether the RWL generates L5-S1 loads within the limits (e.g., 3400 N for compression recommended by NIOSH and 1000 N for shear recommended in some studies).Severallifting activities are simulated here to evaluate the RWL by the NLE and the L5-S1 loads by the models. In lifting activities involving moderate to large forward trunk flexion, the estimated RWL generates L5-S1 spine loads exceeding the recommended limits. The NIOSH vertical multiplier is the likely cause of this inadequacy; a new multiplier based on the trunk flexion angle must hence be proposed.Practitioners are advised to use the NLE along with the biomechanical models when evaluating the risk of injury to the spine
Keywords:
Biomechanical Models ; Spine ; Compressive Force ; National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Equation ; Acceptable Load ; Shear Force

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