Handle Positions and Angles in a Dynamic Lifting Task

Thirty industrial subjects took part in a manual lifting task, using different handle positions on a container and different angles between handle and container. Lifts were from floor to waist, waist to shoulder and floor to shoulder. Upper extremity body angles were measured, with heart rate and rated perceived exertion. As in previous static holding experiments, it was found that handle positions with both horizontal and vertical stability gave good results. As a result of this work, handle positions are recommended in the middle of the front edge of a box (at 60°) and in the middle of the lower edge (at 50°). Such an arrangement will minimize wrist deviation and slippage angle between handle and hand.