Application of genetic algorithms to the design of lifting tasks

Proper workplace design for jobs requiring lifting is important in reducing injuries in the workplace. The challenge is to incorporate a variety of postures to meet productivity and safety requirements. In this paper, a form of evolutionary computation, known as a genetic algorithm (GA), is applied to the problem of designing safe lifting tasks within the constraints of the work place, The design criteria is the NIOSH Revised Work Practices Guide for Manual Lifting. The resulting model develops a population of solutions which represent multiple groups of lifting parameters adapted to the productivity and safety requirements set by the ergonomist.