To assess risk when workers repeatedly lift boxes, which factors should be considered?

When assessing risk associated with workers who frequently lift boxes, it is essential to consider the duration and frequency of manual handling. This factor is critical because it addresses how often and for how long workers are engaged in the lifting activity, which can significantly influence the likelihood of injury and musculoskeletal disorders.

Frequent lifting increases the chance of fatigue and overexertion, especially if the tasks are performed over extended periods without proper breaks or ergonomic practices. Understanding the duration and frequency allows for the evaluation of cumulative exposure to risk, enabling better risk mitigation strategies such as implementing safe lifting techniques, job rotation, or the use of mechanical aids.

While aspects like the weight of the boxes, speed of lifting, and height of storage shelves are important considerations, they do not provide a comprehensive understanding of the overall risk to workers when considering the cumulative effects of repetitive tasks over time. Addressing duration and frequency is paramount for creating safer work environments and promoting worker health and safety.