NIOSH’s 2025 Revised Lifting Equation: What Safety Leaders Should Recalculate

Frequently Asked Questions

When should we recalculate a lifting task?

Recalculate when the job changes in a meaningful way, such as different packaging, different shelf or pallet heights, higher frequency, more reach or twisting, or a new injury or complaint pattern. Older assessments should also be reviewed if they were based on a single “typical” lift.

Can the NIOSH Lifting Equation be used for patient handling?

Not as a stand-alone answer for most patient handling. The article explains that patient transfers and repositioning involve variable and unpredictable conditions, so the equation is better used for related material-handling tasks while other ergonomics methods and safe patient handling practices address the full exposure.

Is one lifting score enough for an entire job?

Usually not. Many jobs include several different lift patterns, and the article recommends scoring distinct tasks separately instead of averaging them into one number.

What should we measure during a field screening?

Measure the actual load weight, horizontal reach, hand heights at origin and destination, vertical travel distance, twisting, lift frequency, duration, and coupling quality. Then verify whether the lift is truly two-handed and whether conditions like footing, access, or PPE affect the task.

What should happen after we calculate the lifting index?

Use the result to prioritize controls, not to stop at a score. The article recommends documenting the task, ranking risk, implementing layout or handling improvements, and then remeasuring to confirm the change reduced exposure.