© 1997-
We have the filter system in the UK for manual handling weight limits, which specify the maximum amount we should be lifting without a risk assessment in place. What is the maximum weight limit? Well, that depends upon who you are. 16Kg for a woman and 25Kg for a man.
In most parts of Australia the maximum weight limit is generally regarded as 27Kg. However, later this year the weight limit will be lowered to 19Kg. A study which is often quoted which was done in 1997 states the following,”they got workers to lift a 75cm box with two hands from the floor to a height of 80 centimeters. They found that:
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10 percent of male workers had the capacity to lift 27kg safely once every 5 minutes, but they could only lift 14.5 kg if asked to do so 16 times per minute.
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90 percent of male workers were able to lift 14 kg every 5 minutes but could only lift 4.5 kg safely if asked to do so 16 times per minute.
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A Guide to Manual Handling published by Taylor and Francis, 1997
This shows the great variation in ability within the workplace. Therefore, all tasks must be risk assessed with the majority of the workforce in mind. In Queensland for instance, there is no maximum permissible weight. They argue that 40Kg on a metal surface can be easily slide by almost anyone but try and lift it out from the boot of a car and most people will struggle.