B Factor and its Importance to HFE Practitioners - Applying NIOSH’s 1991 Revised Lifting Equation and its Derivatives

Abstract

Weight of materials is an essential component of National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health’s (NIOSH) 1991 Revised Lifting Equations, its European (BS EN)/International (ISO) derivatives and other published extensions/modifications. Weighing materials is often difficult at construction work sites. NIOSH’s Lifting Equation and its variations might be used more frequently and effectively by Human Factors/Ergonomic (HFE) Practitioners if the weight of materials could be determined more easily at work sites. The Borchardt Factor (B Factor) concept would enable HFE Practitioners to “calculate” the weight of large, bulky or irregularly shaped materials at work sites. The B Factor is defined as: Weight (lbs or kg) per “easy to measure” unit of measurement.