Lifting Equation

The Effectiveness of a NIOSH Multimedia Training Program:The Lifting Equation: 

The Effectiveness of a NIOSH Multimedia Training Program: The Lifting Equation William Bowles Education and Information Division NIOSH Best Practices in Occupational Safety and Health, Education, Training, and Communication: Ideas That Sizzle Baltimore, MD - October 2002

The NIOSH Lifting Equation: 

The NIOSH Lifting Equation NIOSH Lifting Equation – mathematical equation used to determine the recommended weight limits (RWL) of a lifting task: RWL = LC x HM x VM x DM x AM x FM x CM The RWL consists of the “weight of the load that nearly all healthy workers could perform over a substantial period of time…without an increased risk of developing lifting-related lower back pain” The variables used to determine the RWL vary as to the conditions of a lifting task -- Examples: Number of lifts for a given amount of time Distance a load is moved How a load is picked up at the origin and set down at the destination of the lift For designated RWL, the lifting equation can be used to calculate a lifting index (LI) which provides a value estimation as to the safety of the lifting task. LI = Load Weight / Recommended Weight Limit The closer the LI is to 1.0, the safer the lifting task. Example: A worker will be lifting 40 lb. boxes for 1 hour. Given the conditions of the working environment, the RWL is determined to be 20. The LI would be 2.0, which is a relatively safe, though not ideal lift. The appropriate action would be to vary the lifting conditions in an attempt to lower the LI towards 1.0.

Purpose of the Multimedia CD-ROM: 

Purpose of the Multimedia CD-ROM Development of a self-directed, interactive multimedia training program to teach the accurate and correct use of the NIOSH lifting equation. Provide a collection of resources that can be used by safety professionals. Promotion of the use of the NIOSH lifting equation in the field.

Training Intervention Effectiveness Research (TIER): 

Training Intervention Effectiveness Research (TIER) Formative Evaluation: Determination of training needs Conceptualization of goals and objectives to meet the needs Process Evaluation: Development of draft training materials Field testing of data collection instruments Outcome Evaluation: Controlled study to determine if intended outcomes are obtained and sustained Identification if critical elements Impact Assessment: Longitudinal study - Did training met the educational needs identified in Stage 1? Examination of the impact of training on the learner and learner’s environment NIOSH Publication Number: 99-142 Website: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/99-142.html

Development of the CD-ROM: 

Development of the CD-ROM Three instructional lessons Sub-classes within lessons comprised of 20 to 50 frames each. Each frame provides audio and visual (stationary and animated) examples and applications of the concepts. Learning checks following discussion of each concept Review quizzes incorporated throughout encouraging longer term retention. Separate interactive animated lifting tasks where learners can practice varying the parameters of the lifting task and aim towards selecting safer lifting conditions. Final assessment evaluating learner’s comprehension of the entire course. Interactive calculator that can be used by safety professionals to evaluate the working environment so that safer lifting conditions can be attained.

Audio and Visual Demonstration of Concepts: 

Audio and Visual Demonstration of Concepts

Review Quizzes: 

Review Quizzes

Interactive Animated Lifting Tasks: 

Interactive Animated Lifting Tasks

Automatic Lifting Calculator: 

Automatic Lifting Calculator

Pilot Study: 

Pilot Study Completion of Lesson 1 (classes 1 and 2) Data collection and analyses Quiz of knowledge gains Surveys Focus groups Interviews Observations of training sessions Participants Safety professionals, graduate students, instructional and educational experts (university faculty)

Preliminary Findings: 

Preliminary Findings Feedback Appreciated “real worker” examples. Excellent graphics, animations. Animated demonstrations of learning concepts facilitated visualization of variables and measurements being explained. Excellent sequencing and presentation rate of the materials. Found the content to contain ample, well designed explanations, descriptions and examples. Easy to navigate through the materials. Areas for improvement Maybe the script could be printed for future reference. Consider simplifying navigation buttons, “might intimidate those less familiar with computers.”

Next Steps...: 

Next Steps... Secondary pilot study that incorporates the materials into a classroom environment Using lesson 1 (class 1 and 2) Subsequent formal study Comparison of self-directed multimedia CD-ROM with traditional classroom instruction Approximately 600 graduate engineering students Entire CD-ROM will be used Pre-training versus post-training changes in: Knowledge gains, attitudes Site observations Satisfaction with training Instructor feedback Evidence of long term knowledge gains over 6 month to 1 year period Ongoing improvements in training materials Ultimate development of public domain materials accessible to all via web and CD-ROM

For more information please contact:: 

For more information please contact: William Bowles National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Education and Information Division 4676 Columbia Parkway, C-10 Cincinnati, Oh. 45226 513/533-8368 phone 513/533-8560 fax 1-800-35-NIOSH wlb8@cdc.gov