Occupational Health & Safety Facts

The Code of Practice for Manual Handling from the National Occupational Health & Safety Commission covers Weight and Forces under section 4. Risk Assessment. Section 4.23 of the Code of Practice contains the following advisory guidelines for lifting, lowering or carrying loads;

4.23 For lifting, lowering or carrying loads:

(a) in seated work, it is advisable not to lift loads in excess of 4.5 kg;

(b) some evidence shows that the risk of back injury increases significantly with objects above the range of 16-20 kg, therefore, from the standing position, it is advisable to keep load below or within this range;

(c) as weight increases from 16 kg up to 55 kg, the percentage of healthy adults who can safely lift, lower or carry the weight, decreases. Therefore, more care is required for weights above 16 kg and up to 55 kg in the assessment process. Mechanical assistance and/or team lifting arrangements should be provided to reduce the risk of injury associated with these heavier weights; and

(d) generally, no person should be required to lift, lower or carry loads above 55 kg, unless mechanical assistance or team lifting arrangements are provided to lower the risk of injury.

Source: National Code of Practice for Manual Handling [NOHSC 2005 (1990)] Copyright Commonwealth of Australia reproduced by permission

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