MATERIAL HANDLING Ergonomics Fitting the job to the

MATERIAL HANDLING

Ergonomics Ø Fitting the job to the worker Ø Goal: reduce or eliminate ergonomic risk factors Ø Result: reduced number and severity of strains and injuries

Risk Factors Ø Repetitive motions Ø Awkward postures Ø Forceful exertions Ø Static posture ü Duration ü Frequency

Engineering Controls Ø Mechanical devices Ø Work station design Ø Work methods

Administrative Controls Ø Machine programming Ø Pacing of tasks Ø Rotation of work duties Ø Worker Training

Material Handling Requires: frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, lowering and raising materials Manual material handling tasks may increase the risk for strains and injuries to the: ØBack ØShoulder ØNeck ØKnees

Back Injuries Ø Some of the most common and costly injuries in the workplace Ø Loss of worktime loss of income Ø Low back pain is most common in persons 30 -50 years old

Back Injuries Most common causes: Ø Lifting incorrectly Ø Carrying objects incorrectly Ø Pushing or pulling heavy objects Ø Overuse of certain muscles and joints

S. M. A. R. T. Lifting Technique Size up the load ü Determine the weight ü Assess the size, shape and stability ü Avoid loads that obstruct your vision ü Check your route

S. M. A. R. T. Lifting Technique Move ü Get close to the load ü Move load close to your body ü Get a good grip

S. M. A. R. T. Lifting Technique Always bend your knees ü Keep feet apart ü Bend your knees NOT your back ü Minimize bending at the waist

S. M. A. R. T. Lifting Technique Raise the load ü Keep back upright ü Tighten abdominal muscles ü Lift smoothly

S. M. A. R. T. Lifting Technique Turn your feet ü In the direction of travel ü Avoid twisting

Lowering the Load Follow the lifting process in reverse: Ø Keep load close to body Ø Get close to load destination Ø Set the load down smoothly

2 Person lift Ø Load is too heavy Ø Large or awkward shape Ø Coordinate – lift & lower Ø SMART Never lift objects heavier than 50 pounds without assistance!

S. M. A. R. T. Lifting Technique üSize up the load üMove the load close üAlways bend your knees üRaise the load with your legs üTurn your feet

Mechanical Material Handling ØEliminates manual lifting ØEquipment includes: • Fork lifts • Hoists & Cranes

Pushing & Pulling Ø Pushing vs. pulling Ø Pushing – use both arms Ø Pulling - avoid sudden stops Ø Carts or hand trucks Ø Load considerations – height, balance, weight

Summary Never lift objects heavier than 50 pounds without assistance! ü Ergonomics - fitting task to worker ü Risk Factors - repetition, awkward posture, forceful exertion and static posture ü Frequency & Duration are critical ü Control Methods - engineering & administrative ü S. M. A. R. T. lifting technique

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