This study investigate the effect of holding time and working height on maximum acceptable holding capacity in overhead work. Fifteen males participated in the experiment. The psychophysical approach was used to examine the effects of different working heights (overhead , overhead reach and maximum reach height) and different holding times (30s, 1, 2and 3 minutes) on the maximum acceptable weight of holding (MAWH), heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Participants simulated overhead work to hold a box vertical against ceiling. The results indicate that the working height and holding time have a signifi cant infl uence on MAWH. However, the heart rate is not signifi cantly infl uenced by the working height and working time. The overall RPE values are signifi cantly infl uenced by the holding time. The most stresses body parts are the arms. The MAWH of the maximum reach height is signifi cantly larger than that for the overhead reach and the overhead, and that the MAWH for the overhead reach and the overhead is not signifi cantly different. In general, these findings indicate that the holding task of overhead should be performed by maximum reach height with shorter holding times.