My mom used to say: ‘Lift too much and your belly button will untie!

1. Manual Handling of Heavy Loads – Limits

According to Czech labor regulations:

• The maximum allowed weight for manual handling by one worker is:
  • Up to 50 kg for men, and even that only under specific conditions (e.g., short duration, proper grip, safe lifting posture, low height).
  • Anything over 50 kg must be handled mechanically – using a crane, hoist, lift, etc.

90 kg is clearly hazardous, especially for an awkward, curved, bulky object like a bumper.

2. Inadequate Equipment

If the offered table:

• Is unstable,
• Too narrow for the bumper,
• Or lacks proper safety features,
  — this is a clear violation of workplace safety regulations.

3. Responsibility

• If you had accepted and someone got injured, you could share legal liability.
• Under Czech law, an employee has the right to refuse work that endangers their health or life. This is not misconduct, but a legal duty (§106 of the Czech Labor Code).

For system 5S

1. Seiri – Sort
► In your case, there’s no clear distinction between tasks suitable for manual work and those requiring mechanical assistance.
✔️ Under 5S: Unsafe and inefficient practices (such as manually lifting a 90 kg item without a crane) should be eliminated.

2. Seiton – Set in Order
► The lifting table used is not suitable for the size and shape of the bumper, which violates this principle.
✔️ All tools and equipment should be appropriate, accessible, and safe to use.

3. Seiso – Shine / Cleanliness
► While less directly relevant, an unstable or dirty surface can increase risk during installation.

4. Seiketsu – Standardize
► The lack of standardized procedures for lifting heavy parts is a clear gap.
✔️ Safe work procedures (including mandatory use of cranes or hoists) should be clearly defined and followed.

5. Shitsuke – Sustain / Discipline
► Your decision to refuse the task is a strong example of this principle.
✔️ It reflects a safety culture where employees follow rules and don’t compromise on health or safety.

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Legal Consideration

According to workplace safety laws in the Czech Republic and the EU:

• Manual lifting is limited — generally up to 25–30 kg for men under ideal conditions.
• 90 kg is far beyond this limit and requires mechanical handling or trained personnel like a crane operator.

Reference: EU Directive 90/269/EEC on the manual handling of loads:
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:31990L0269

Conclusion: You did the right thing

• You didn’t give in to unsafe demands.
• You identified and raised concerns about unsafe working conditions.
• You protected yourself and possibly others.

If your employer insists, you can:

• Request a written order to perform the task under such conditions,
• Demand the presence of a workplace safety officer (BOZP),
• Or submit a written refusal citing your legal rights under the Labor Code.

Have a nice shift!