ABSTRACT

Jane and Joe work for a small manufacturing company in the Midwest as material handlers. Both perform the same function, lifting the same size and weight of boxes. Each has attended training on proper lifting, and their supervisor monitors their lifting technique regularly. However, Jane has been experiencing pain in her lower back. When Jane goes home at night, her pain subsides. Unfortunately, a few months later Jane is in constant pain so she decides to go to the doctor. The doctor tells Jane’s employer that she should be placed on light duty (no lifting) for the next two weeks. After the two weeks of light duty, Jane returns to her job. She feels fine for about a month, but the pain returns. Again, she is placed on two weeks of light duty. Two weeks after she begins lifting again she once more is experiencing lower back pain. This time the doctor suggests to the employer that Jane be moved to a different job that entails no lifting. Although Jane enjoys the work she is doing, she is forced to change jobs.