ABSTRACT
During lifting, lowering, and carrying tasks, subjects handled industrial tote boxes. The boxes varied in length (the distance between the hands) and width (the distance away from the body). When handles were used, they were located mid-way in the width dimension. Each subject varied the weight of the box by adding or subtracting loose lead shot with a small scoop. Welding rod was used in the larger boxes. In an attempt to minimize visual cues, each box contained a false bottom. The subjects were aware of the false bottom. but never knew how much lead shot or welding rod it contained. The amount of weight in the false bottom was randomly varied.
