W. Va. Code R. agency 85, tit. 85, ser. 85-20, app Section 85-20-F
The Physical Demands Strength Rating, as defined in the Dictionary of Occupational Titles, is expressed by one of five terms: Sedentary, Light, Medium, Heavy and Very Heavy. In order to determine the overall rating, the injured worker's abilities in the following activities must be considered: Standing, Walking, Sitting, Lifting, Carrying, Pushing, Pulling and Controls operation.
Standing means remaining on one's feet in an upright position at a work station without moving about.
Walking means moving about on foot.
Sitting means remaining in a seated position.
Lifting means raising or lowering an object from one level to another (includes upward pulling).
Carrying means transporting an object, usually holding it in the hands or arms, or on the shoulder.
Pushing means exerting force upon an object so that the object moves away from the force (includes slapping, striking, kicking and treadle actions).
Pulling means exerting force upon an object so that the object moves toward the force (includes jerking).
Lifting, pushing and pulling are evaluated in terms of both intensity and duration. Consideration is given to the weight handled, position of the worker's body and the aid given by helpers or mechanical equipment. Carrying most often is evaluated in terms of duration, weight carried and distance carried.
Controls entail the use of one or both arms or hands (hand/arm) and/or one or both feet or legs (foot/leg) to move controls on machinery or equipment. Controls include but are not limited to buttons, knobs, pedals, levers and cranks.
Occasionally means an activity or condition exists up to one third (1/3) of the time.
Frequently means an activity or condition exists from one-third (1/3) up to two- thirds (2/3) of the time.
Constantly means an activity or condition exists two-thirds (2/3) or more of the time.
Sedentary Work - Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time, but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.
Light Work - Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Sedentary Work. Even though the weight lifted may be only a negligible amount, a job should be rated Light Work: (1) when it requires walking or standing to a significant degree; or (2) when it requires sitting most of the time but entails pushing and/or pulling of arm or leg controls; and/or (3) when the job requires working at a production rate pace entailing the constant pushing and/or pulling of materials even though the weight of those materials is negligible. NOTE: The constant stress and strain of maintaining a production rate pace, especially in an industrial setting, can be and is physically demanding of a worker even though the amount of force exerted is negligible.
W. Va. Code R. agency 85, tit. 85, ser. 85-20, app Section 85-20-F