The dynamics of pushing and pulling in the workplace: assessing and treating the problem.

Pushing and pulling manual materials handling tasks are becoming common in the workplace and put employees at risk for musculoskeletal disorders. Occupational health nurses can use the Liberty Mutual Manual Materials Handling Tables, or "Snook Tables" to identify tasks that put employees at risk. Using a basic understanding of pushing and pulling forces and resources such as Snook Tables, occupational health nurses can intervene and makes changes to tasks causing employee injuries.