Hi All, 

I am currently setting up a manual handlling working group and have done the NEBOSH Manual Handling Risk Assessment course, and have been a heavy user of the MAC, RAPP and ART tools, but having started to read (in greater detail) ISO 11228 (parts 1, 2 and 3) I am faced with the NIOSH Liftng Equation. I am aware that NIOSH is the US equivalent of IOSH, but cannot find any equivalent formula that is obviously published by IOSH.  Does anyone else based in the UK use the NIOSH formula in/alonsgide their assessments or are you solely relying on the MAC, RAPP and ART tools etc?

Thank you in advance for any response.

Unless you have US based operations why are you bothering with any NIOSH publication?

Published calculations fail to include every variable aspect that is the person conducting the task at the time.

Even where the US insurers have published tables for manual handling they work on presumption of humans being something they are not equal in stature, strength and stamina.

mmm...yes lots of us do use them but in a more tier approach. 

Used commonly by

• Occupational hygienists
• Ergonomists (especially those with CIEHF memberships)
• Consultants doing more detailed MH assessments
• Those working in logistics, warehousing, manufacturing
• Companies with US ownership or global EHS systems

Why it is acceptable in the UK

Because MHOR 1992 is goal-based, not prescriptive. HSE explicitly states that organisations may use any competent method, provided:

• It is valid, reliable, and evidence-based
• It is applied by someone with competence
• The risks are suitably and sufficiently assessed

The NIOSH equation is academically solid, highly validated, and widely used internationally, so it meets this test. The limitations to be aware of are: 

• It is designed for two-handed lifts only
• Does not apply to one-handed, seated, pushing/pulling, carrying, or high-frequency twisting tasks
• Does not factor all psychosocial issues
• Does not automatically satisfy HSE if used alone

I myself use a tier approach:

Tier 1 (Screening)

• MAC / ART / RAPP
• TILE(O)
• HSE checklists

Tier 2 (Technical Analysis)

When screening flags amber/red or borderline:

• NIOSH Lifting Equation (two-handed lifting only)
• Snook & Ciriello / Liberty Mutual tables
• ISO 11228-1/-2/-3 calculations

Tier 3 (Complex/High-Risk Cases)

• Biomechanical modelling
• Occupational health or physiotherapy review
• Ergonomist-led on-site task redesign

This is completely normal and defensible if challenged by HSE...

HSE don't oppose NIOSH it just isn't thier first port of call, hence my tiered approach.  

I hope this helps...

Hi gkw

Nothing to add on the technicalities but I think that it is important to realise that trying to compare NIOSH with IOSH is not really appropriate.

To quote from the CDC website:

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is the federal institute responsible for conducting research and making recommendations for the prevention of work-related injury and illness. NIOSH is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

So, NIOSH is a federal body with some clout.

In contrast, the "objects" set out in IOSH's Royal Charter indicate that its role is primarily that of a body representing OSH professionals. 

So, whilst IOSH might publish some guidance, anything that it does publish does not have much in the way of "authority" whereas for those working in places where e.g. OSHA Regulations set the benchmark, then what NIOSH has to say needs to be listened to.