The study objective was to explore the accuracy of a single-axis force gauge in measuring exerted hand forces associated with natural turning exertions to improve injury risk assessment. Three single-axis gauge measurement schemes (pulling, pushing, timed pushing) using gauge attachments were compared to a “natural” measurement scheme where subjects exerted against instrumented cart handles (i.e., three-dimensional load cells). Dependent variables included peak turning exerted hand forces and angle of force application per scheme. All single-axis gauge schemes underestimated peak natural turning exerted hand forces (ICCs ranging 0.34-0.59), which may lead to underestimation of injury risk. Applying correction factors to the gauge readings improved ICCs to 0.72-0.82, but these factors were specific to the test conditions. It is recommended that turning exerted hand forces be assessed using the timed pushing scheme (pushing the cart using an ergonomic attachment that improves coupling and timing the exertion with a metronome).