An Academic Study on the Effectiveness of PowerLift Safe Lifting Techniques

The Challenge of Low Back Pain in the Workplace

Manual Materials Handling (MMH) remains a leading cause of low back pain (LBP) and injury across various industries. Workers performing tasks like lifting, lowering, pushing, and pulling face significant risks to their spinal health. This contributes to high rates of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), resulting in lost workdays and costly workers’ compensation claims.

Key statistics underscore the challenge:

• Back injuries account for 38.5% of all musculoskeletal injuries.
• 1 in 5 workplace injuries involves the lower back, frequently linked to lifting tasks.

Study Overview

A recent study conducted by Nick Kruzich, BS, GSP, and Dr. David Gilkey, from the Department of Safety, Health, and Industrial Hygiene at Montana Technological University, and published in the World Safety Journal, sheds light on a safer lifting method. The study explored spinal compression during MMH tasks to identify techniques that reduce lumbar stress and back injuries.

The researchers compared two lifting techniques:

1. Traditional Squat Lift (commonly taught in workplaces).
2. Powerlift™ Method, inspired by athletic weightlifting techniques.

Using advanced ergonomics software, the study measured lumbar compression at the L5-S1 spinal segment during these lifting methods.

Key Findings

The study revealed significant differences between the two techniques:

• Traditional Squat Lift: Average compressive forces reached 1,023 lbs/in².
• Powerlift™ Method: Forces were reduced to 849 lbs/in²—a reduction of 174 lbs/in².

The Powerlift™ method consistently reduced spinal compression and shear forces compared to the traditional squat lift, showcasing its potential to lower back strain.

Why Powerlift™ Works

The Powerlift™ method incorporates a wider stance, allowing workers to straddle the load and lift with their legs while maintaining back alignment. This technique:

• Enhances stability by reducing torso inclination.
• Lowers knee flexion, making the lift smoother and less strenuous.
• Effectively transfers weight to the legs and hips, minimizing strain on the lower back.

Practical Implications for Safety Professionals

The findings highlight the importance of adopting evidence-based ergonomic practices to reduce workplace injuries. Safety professionals should:

1. Implement Powerlift™ Training: Introduce this method into MMH training programs to mitigate back injury risks.
2. Personalize Ergonomic Interventions: Tailor training to individual workers’ body types, strengths, and job demands.
3. Engage Workers Actively: Behavioral-based training techniques, such as self-observation, can improve adherence and safety outcomes.

Limitations and Future Research

While the Powerlift™ method demonstrated promising reductions in spinal compression, it did not universally reduce stresses below recommended safety limits for all participants. Further research with larger, more diverse sample sizes is needed to validate these findings and explore long-term impacts across industries.

Conclusion

The study conducted by Nick Kruzich and Dr. David Gilkey offers valuable insights into how lifting techniques impact lower-back stresses during MMH tasks. The Powerlift™ method shows significant potential to reduce biomechanical strain, making it a safer alternative to traditional lifting approaches.

Safety professionals are encouraged to integrate this technique into training programs while continuing to explore ergonomic innovations that protect workers from injury.