Spinal loading when lifting from industrial storage bins

The study documented three-dimensional spinal loading during lifting from an industrial bin. Two lifting styles and two bin design factors were examined in Phase I. The lifting style measures in Phase I were one hand versus two hand and standing on one foot versus two feet. The bin design variables were region of load in the bin and bin height. The Phase II study examined one-handed lifting styles with and without supporting body weight with the free hand on the bin as well as region and the number of feet. Twelve male and 12 female subjects lifted an 11.3 kg box from the bin. Spinal compression, lateral shear and anterior – posterior shear forces were estimated using a validated EMG-assisted biomechanical model. Phase I results indicated that the bin design factor of region had the greatest impact on spinal loading. The upper front region minimized spinal loading for all lifting styles. Furthermore, the lifting style of two hands and two feet minimized spinal loading. However, comparing Phase I two-handed lifting with Phase II one-handed supported lifting, the one-handed supported lifting techniques had lower compressive and anterior – posterior shear loads in the lower regions as well as the upper back region of the bin. A bin design that facilitates lifting from the upper front region of the bin reduces spinal loading more effectively than specific lifting styles. Furthermore, a bin design with a hand hold may facilitate workers using a supported lifting style that reduces spinal loading.