Introduction The rules for the use of force when performing work activities are specified for women and men in the Ordinance of the Minister of Labour and Social Policy of 14 March 2000 on health and safety at work in manual transport and later changes – Ordinance of the Minister of Family, Labour and Social Policy of 25 April 2017. In particular, these rules apply to manual transport, but also contain guidance on the use of levers, crankcases and wheels that are fitted to work stations.

Methods This paper presents the results of several research studies performed by NIOM researchers in the field of force necessary for the professional activities. The studies were done using the measuring set: tensometric dynamometer, force converter, amplifier and PC for data collection. Measurements were done at least 3 times for one activity, the average value of force was taken for further analysis.

Result During the tests, it was stated that, depending on the technical condition of the transport trolleys used in the hypermarkets (weight including the load of about 450 kg limited by law), kind of the pavement on which they moved and the way they were put into motion, the force necessary to start their movement was from 60 n to 650 n.

Discussion These values were 2–3 times higher than the applicable standards (300 n – for pushing, 250 n – for pulling). On the other hand, the measurements of the force needed to launch overloaded trucks used in the transport of gas cylinders or materials in the textile industry (up to about 1500 kg) indicate the necessity to use 500 n – 700 n force – well above the permissible. It is visible that the ergonomic interventions including education and training is necessary.