The reason I am asking this question is, the place I work has just aquired these 80 to 100 lb. blocks to build a retaining wall near the side of the road. I need to know if I can tell my emloyer to "F" off because I am not required by osha standards to lift such heavy blocks. This retaining wall is very very long and about 4 to 5 feet high. This would require my employer to come up with some way to get these blocks from the pallet to the wall location ( i.e. a small crane attatched to a pickup truck with some sort of strap to hold the block, to lower the block into position as we guide it into place on the ground. )
one….
there arent any age limits for lifting, that would be discrimination…
two…
try to be reasonable with them first, fk, those are heavy block, and just about anybody would get hurt with a bunch of those,
three
just rent a small forklift to place them….
explain to them that it would take you 4 weeks of doing this instead of what you are supposed to do, and that a small forklift would take 3 days and cost this much, show them how you are saving them money….
four
just tell them the truth, you dont want to hurt yourself….
five.
if all of this fails, f em, lift 4 of them, tell them your back hurtz, go to the doc and tell them you were hurt on the job and how, let them file an OSHA claim….
one….
there arent any age limits for lifting, that would be discrimination…
two…
try to be reasonable with them first, fk, those are heavy block, and just about anybody would get hurt with a bunch of those,
three
just rent a small forklift to place them….
explain to them that it would take you 4 weeks of doing this instead of what you are supposed to do, and that a small forklift would take 3 days and cost this much, show them how you are saving them money….
four
just tell them the truth, you dont want to hurt yourself….
five.
if all of this fails, f em, lift 4 of them, tell them your back hurtz, go to the doc and tell them you were hurt on the job and how, let them file an OSHA claim….
References :
Answer
Subject: Weight Lifting Limits
Question: What is the current weight allowed to be lifted by one person without machinery, just muscle?
Answer: I know you would like a specific number of pounds as the answer. However, that does not exist for most situations. A few agencies/companies/jurisdictions have set arbitrary limits and you would have to check with the local regulatory agency to determine what if any limit applies to your location. There is a means that has been developed by NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) that can be used to determine the specific “safe” or recommended limit for each specific task. The calculations take into consideration the size, shapes and weight of the load. (Each can effect a person’s capacity as you can well visualize.) Does the object have handles or other means to assist grasping the object? What is the height of the load at the initial point of the lift? (Is it on the floor or a counter, etc.) What is the height of the load at the end of the lift? Does the load need to be lifted over an obstacle? Are there any turning motions involved? What is the height of the individual doing the lifting? (And despite it being politically incorrect – what is the sex, physical condition and age of the person doing the lifting.) Once all this data is collected, it is possible using a complicated, multi-part formula to calculate the maximum “recommended” load. And if you change any single factor the entire process must be recalculated. Thus, many of us feel there is no “general” safe load and that each case must be reviewed and determined based on the individual factors. There are publications available from NIOSH and/or OSHA that will provide the necessary formulas and supportive data but they can be complicated to use and are not recommend without some at least basic training in ergonomics or industrial engineering. An industrial hygienist would be able to help on a case by case basis but the are going to insist on all of the data before they attempt to make a determination. I’m sure this is not what you wanted to hear, but given the number of variables that could be involved it is the best I can do. Pushed, I would suggest that 50 to 75 pounds would be a range to look at for a straight lift with no turning movement depending on the age and physical capability of the individual involved. BUT there could be circumstances that would reduce that by 50% or even more. I’m sorry I leave you with no clear and concise answer and more questions than when you started but this is a very complicated matter as I have learned and one many managers and supervisors had problems with when they asked the same question you have. If I can be of any further assistance, I can be re-contacted and would be glad to try to help further.
Michael Brown, CSP Retired
References :
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Occupational-OSHA-Environmental-1417/Weight-Lifting-Limits.htm