Shear Happens! Suggested guidelines for ergonomists to reduce the risk of low back injury from shear loading

Abstract

There is no questioning the strong link between excessive loading on the low back that occurs during non-optimal manual materials handling conditions, and injury. Recent data are expanding our understanding of “excessive loads” particularly the role of anterior-posterior shear loads and lumbar damage. Ergonomists should have three sets of information to be most effective in dealing with shear forces: they should be aware of the causes of excessive shear, have an idea of reasonable limit values for shear exposure, and should know how to effectively intervene to reduce the risk.