All kinds of factors can make work physically demanding. For example, people who constantly lift heavy loads may develop back problems.
Exposure to hazardous substances and radiation (Dutch), for example, can also lead to health damage, which can sometimes be permanent. In such cases, we refer to occupational diseases.
Question and answer
Physical strain is: physical exertion. For example, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling. The muscles and joints in the back, shoulders and arms are then used so regularly that physical overload can occur.
An employer records the risk of physical overload in a Risk lnventory and Evaluation and measures in an Action Plan. In any case, an employer must do everything possible to provide relief to their employees where possible. For example, by adding handles to heavy objects that need to be moved, offering employees varied work and providing special shoes and gloves.
Various methods have been developed to assess lifting activities. One of the most commonly used is the NIOSH method. The NIOSH method is a way of calculating how much an employee may lift in a given situation without running any health risks. The Netherlands Labour Authority uses this method.
In addition to the lifting weight, the lifting situation is also taken into account, such as how often lifting takes place, the distance of the movement and the lifting height from the floor. The recommended maximum lifting weight is calculated on the basis of this data. Under the most ideal conditions, this is a maximum of 23 kilograms. In less than ideal conditions, the weight is lower.
Your working conditions catalogue may contain specific agreements about lifting in your industry. For more information, see arboportaal.nl (Dutch).
