Table 3. Guidelines for sitting and unassisted lifting

                                              Symptoms

                         Severe   ->   Moderate   ->    Mild    ->   None

Sitting[1]               20 min   ->      ->      ->     ->     ->   50 min
Unassisted lifting [2]
  Men                    20 lbs   ->    20 lbs    ->   60 lbs   ->   80 lbs
  Women                  20 lbs   ->    20 lbs    ->   35 lbs   ->   40 lbs

1  Without getting up and moving around.
2  Modification of NIOSH Lifting Guidelines, 1981, 1993.  Gradually
   increase unassisted lifting limits to 60 lbs (men) and 35 lbs (women)
   by 3 months even with continued symptoms. Limit twisting, bending,
   and reaching. Always lift close to belly button.