You might try Simwork Systems (makers of the ERGOS work simulator) at 520 795 2222. We use the ERGOS machine here and station 1 has a static push/pull and lift force panel. I would agree that static testing probably doesn't have a real world application but I have found nothing better than static testing for getting a quick composite look at lifting mechanics (especially from a low level) AND level of effort. Its hard to fake effort on a 5 sec static test when the evaluator can look at the monitor, see the level of performance, and check objective signs (heart rate, posture, diaphoresis) at the same time.

Well, that's another good point. Safety concerns aside - should we be doing a test that potentially has very little correlation to true functional ability?

There have been studies on both sides of the safety issue of isometric lift testing. According to Dr. Len Matheson who developed the EPIC Lift Capacity test, more scientific research is needed to fully explore the issues of psychophysical limitations, the lack of familiarity of the evaluee with the task, and the care and precision with which instructions are given. There is always the question, too, of how much does an isometric/static lift test correlate with/simulate the actual job task.

Hmm, nothing huh? Oh well! Thanks for reading...