An investigation of factors that affect the selection of lifting technique

Explanations for the ineffectiveness of lifting training often focus on the nature of the workplace. However, the process through which workers select a lifting method may contain priorities based on energy expenditure, unique anthropometry, lifting experience, personality profile or other characteristics of the individual worker. This empirical investigation studied the lifting technique selection strategies of a variety of individuals immediately after receiving lifting training and after a delay of one week. Odds ratios were calculated to determine the likelihood that characteristics such as critical anthropometric dimensions, personality factors and experience predicted a workers lifting technique. Many implications for the design of training programs for lifting were observed.