How can the horizontal distance affect the weight limit?Example: A worker lifts 15 kg boxes from the table to the shelf five times an hour. Notice that there is a barrier between the worker and the box.
To calculate the recommended weight limit (RWL) for the task:
- Determine the weight of the load.
| H (Horizontal Distance) - | 50 cm |
| V (Vertical Distance) - | 75 cm |
| D (Lifting/ carrying Distance)- | 40 cm |
| F (Frequency) - | 12 min |
| A (Angle) - | 0° |
| C (Coupling/quality of grip) - | fair |
23 Kg x 0.50 x 1.00 x 0.95 x 1.00 x 1.00 x 1.00 = 10.9 kg
- Compare the weight of the load against determined Recommended Weight Limit for the task.
Conclusion:
The weight of the load is 15 kg. This value is higher than the weight limit of 10.9 kg.
Therefore, the TASK IS DANGEROUS.
Recommendations
The critical component is H, the horizontal distance of the box from worker's body.
- Remove the barrier to allow worker to get closer to the box.
Evaluate the Redesigned Task
23 kg x 0.80 x 1.00 x 0.95 x 1.00 x 1.00 x 1.00 = 17.5 kg
- Compare weight of the load against Weight Limit in new layout.
The weight of the load at 15 kg is now lower than the recommended weight limit of 17.5 kg.
Therefore, MOST WORKERS CAN SAFELY PERFORM THE TASK.
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