Texas lifting laws, and standards?

Question

I am searching for the legal limits a person can lift in the work place, and lifting standards in Texas. I've tried OSHA with zero results. I am concerned for my fellow workers lifting heavy weights in excess of 100 pounds, and injuries are mounting.

Answer 1

Here are the Texas phone numbers. Call them.

http://www.osha.gov/oshdir/tx.html

Here is the Dallas enforcment person.

http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/ergonomics/enforcement_ergo_coord.html

You can complain by fax or online

http://www.osha.gov/as/opa/worker/complain.html

Not there are laws about telling just the facts in such a complaint.

Answer 2

The maximum a person should be expected to lift alone is 70 pounds. However, there is no law on the books to cover this.

As an insurance risk manager I recommend limiting lifting to 50 pounds for one person, anything heavier than that is a "team lift" object.

If OSHA was made aware of the injury rate of workers because they were expected to lift more than 100 pounds I'm sure they would investigate. That is an extreme weight and besides serious back injuries you could expect hernias. The employer cold be cited under OSHAs General Duty Clause for not prohibiting such extreme loads.

Another avenue to investigate is the employee's job description. If they are being forced to lift more than the amount stated on thier job description the state labor board can be notified.

Answer 3

whoa... 100 lbs alone is way to much. I belive most are 20 - 30lbs. I dont blame you for being concern. try contacting labor laws and stuff "unless thats what OSHA is" good luck.