What is the maximum weight that employees can safely lift?
Anyone who frequently lifts or carries heavy objects at work runs a high risk of health complaints. Back and neck pain are, in fact, among the main causes of long-term sick leave. But what weight can you lift safely? That depends on the specific working conditions.
:no_upscale())
Maximum lifting weight: 25 kg in optimal conditions
First of all, Belgian legislation does not put a number on the maximum lifting weight for loads in an occupational context. The codex for wellbeing at work only mentions that when lifting manually, the load should not be too heavy.
However, there is an EU standard: 25 kilograms under optimal conditions. The ISO standard on manual lifting of loads (ISO 11228-1) also uses that maximum weight, as do several other international guidelines.
But: the actual work situation is usually not optimal
Close to the body, at hip height, with a good grip and without twisting the back:
these are the optimal lifting conditions according to the EU Directive. But it goes without saying that a lot of specific work situations are far from ideal. For example, the maximum lifting weight decreases when your employees have to lift above the shoulders or below knee height, when the load is further away from the body, or when they have to lift loads more frequently.
Lifting heavy loads in pairs?
Lifting a heavy load in pairs: this is often suggested as a preventive measure. This does not mean, however, that you can simply double the maximum lifting weight. In fact, lifting in pairs reduces stability and you will soon find yourself lifting further away from your body.
A risk assessment gives clarity on the maximum lifting weight
A good general guideline is that employees should manually lift a maximum of 15 kilograms repeatedly.
To assess accurately what lifting weight is acceptable in your specific work situation, carry out a . With this as a basis, you can then determine the maximum lifting weight and take targeted measures to minimise the risk of health injuries.This also includes preventive actions, such as adjustments to the workstation, using aids (based on ergonomic advice) or a workshop on ‘Lifting loads and preventing back complaints’.