ABSTRACT
Unlike lifting, where the load is completely supported by the worker, pushing is a material handling activity that requires objects to be pushed on floors. Pushing activities are not as strenuous as manual lifting. However, the prevalence of these activities in industry requires that these activities be designed to fit the human capability. Generally, two-handed pushing force data have been expressed in three forms: maximum dynamic force that can be exerted to set an object in motion, maximum dynamic force that can keep an object in motion, and maximum isometric force that can be exerted while trying to push an object. This chapter provides the maximum initial pushing force database for males and females based on the psychophysical and physiological design criteria. The maximum sustained pushing force database for males and females based on the psychophysical and physiological criteria. The maximum pushing force for one-handed horizontal pushing is based on the intra-abdominal pressures (IAP) design criterion.
