Lifting and Back Injuries: What You Should Know
- Michele Oras
- Jun 11
- 1 min read
Manual lifting is one of the leading causes of workplace back injuries—and there’s a proven way to measure the risk before it becomes a problem.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) developed the Revised NIOSH Lifting Equation (RNLE) to help employers evaluate lifting tasks and reduce the risk of low back injuries on the job. This research-backed formula calculates how much weight is safe to lift under specific conditions—making it easier to identify and avoid risky lifting tasks.
The danger isn’t just on the ground.
One of the most overlooked sources of injury? Moving materials to and from a roof.
Too often, workers still use ropes—leaning over edges, pulling loads hand-over-hand. This method is physically demanding, time-consuming, and violates multiple OSHA safety standards. It increases the risk of falls, dropped objects, and back strain—especially in bad weather, when tired, or with poor footing. It's not just unsafe—it's outdated.
A better way is within reach.
NIOSH believes in the RNLE so strongly, they’ve made it free and accessible:
Once you've calculated the risk, it's clear: there's a smarter way to lift.
Whether it’s a mechanical lift, hoist, or pulley system, OSHA-compliant solutions exist to reduce physical strain and improve safety. The question isn’t if there’s a better way—it’s which one makes the most sense for your jobsite.
Take the strain out of rooftop lifting.
The LadderPort Cranky Winch System is built to make mid-weight hauls safer, faster, and easier. See how it compares—because lifting smarter isn’t optional, it’s essential.
