Is there a maximum allowable weight that an individual can lift?

OSHA does not have a regulation that addresses weight restrictions for manual lifting. OSHA has, however, used the NIOSH Lifting Equation to evaluate manual lifts during a workplace inspection. The NIOSH equation sets a fixed weight of 51 pounds as the load constant (that is generally considered the maximum load nearly all healthy workers should be able to lift under optimal conditions.) However, the NIOSH equation also uses other factors such as height and angle of the lift, frequency of the lift, type of hand grip, and travel distance; these are all as important in assessing a lift as the weight of the object.

An alternative guide that focuses on male/female population percentages capable of performing a lift with certain characteristics, rather than on maximum weight limits, is the Liberty Mutual Material Handling tables. And Oregon OSHA has a tool that provides a fairly quick and user-friendly way to assess lifts. Employers might also find it helpful to look at OSHA’s resources for conducting ergonomics analyses which contain links to several tools, including a document from Washington State OSHA that contains a Lifting Hazard Assessment Worksheet based on the 1991 NIOSH Revised Lifting Equation. Beyond this information, employers may want to contact an ergonomist for guidance on the specific operation in question.