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Introduction: Lifting and carrying tasks are very common in logistics, construction, and industry. These activities are associated with an increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders, particularly in the lower back and shoulders. Epidemiological studies show that lifting and carrying significantly contribute to the development of low back pain and shoulder complaints, which can result in absenteeism and reduced work capacity.

Gaining insight into the risk factors is a first step toward prevention. Simple and accessible assessment tools help employers understand the physical demands and work on prevention.

The international standard ISO 11228-1 (Ergonomics – Manual handling, Part 1: Lifting, lowering and carrying) provides a clear a step-by-step approach for this purpose, from checklists to more complex assessment instruments. However, the document itself is not always easily accessible or user-friendly for OSH practitioners. To support this group, an online assessment tool was developed.

Method: A group of experts to identify the most important and feasible steps from the ISO 11228-1 standard, suitable for use by OSH practitioners. The focus was on selecting elements that could realistically be applied in daily practice without requiring extensive training or prior knowledge.

Results: For lifting tasks, the instrument is based on the quick assessment steps, where users can evaluate whether task conditions fall within acceptable or critical limits. For carrying tasks, a calculation module was added that allows users to assess the level of risk for the total carried load. In addition, a step was included to determine the presence of unfavorable environmental and object characteristics that may increase the physical load, such as limited space, uneven surfaces or thermal stress.

Internationally, the NIOSH lifting equation is widely used for assessing lifting tasks. The ISO 11228-1 standard also refers to this method, from simple single-task evaluations (STLI) to more complex methods such as the Composite Lifting Index (CLI) and Variable Lifting Index (VLI). Compared to a STLI, these complex methods require a level of expertise that we considered beyond the scope of our target users. However, most lifting tasks in practice involve considerable variation in weight and lifting conditions, making a single-task evaluation not applicable. To still provide users with more insight into the risk level of the lifting task than of the quick assessment offers, a simplified single-task NIOSH assessment was added as an indicartion.

The result of the instrument for musculoskeletal complaints is presented using a traffic light system (green, orange, red), providing a clear visual indicator of urgency. The overall outcome is supported by an overview of task factors requiring attention, including those needing immediate action.

For lifting tasks that exceed the acceptable limits, users are referred to the more complex assessment methods for multiple or variable lifting tasks, preferably performed together with an expert.

Discussion and conclusion: The development of a simplified assessment tool for lifting and carrying based on ISO 11228-1 addresses the need for practical, accessible risk evaluation in occupational settings.