Physiological guidelines for the design of manual lifting and lowering tasks: the state of the art.

The goal of many researchers and practitioners of occupational health and safety has been to design manual materials handling (MMH) tasks so as to reduce the frequency and severity of overexertion injuries usually associated with these types of tasks. Physiological limits with respect to the manual lifting and lowering aspects of MMH have been reviewed and evaluated. The information provided by different researchers has been presented in a concise manner that is easily accessed by designers and practitioners of MMH. Recommendations for future research in determining physiological limits of individuals engaged in manual lifting and lowering tasks and other aspects of MMH activities have been provided.