Definition - What does Overhead Lift mean?
Overhead lift refers to the physical ability to lift or raise an object above shoulder height, allowing an individual to sustain momentum between the applied load force (i.e. lifting) and return to the original position. An overhead lift is often a component of an essential functions test (EFT), which is a test used to determine whether an employee is able to fulfill the physical requirements of a particular job role, or to decide if an employee is safe to return-to-duty after an accident or injury.SureHire explains Overhead Lift
Although many individuals execute overhead lifts in line with their job position, the force-load differential above shoulder height poses a greater risk since the core/stabilizer muscles inhibit appropriate leverage to handle the coordinated movement of objects. Historically, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) calculated the injury-to-load bearing ratio based on demographic cases with the median value of roughly 51 pounds as the industry-standard equation for safe lifting.
An EFT-based template that illustrates physical demands aligned with a job description helps employers to determine the right candidate and to mitigate the possibility of musculoskeletal injuries such as sprains or strains.
