In the modern working environment, materials handling equipment does much of the heavy lifting and moving that was done manually in the past. Even so, there are still well over two hundred thousand work related injuries per year in the United States alone. A large portion of these have been shown to be preventable injuries.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has created extensive guidelines for workers. Among these are guides for ergonomic materials handling that include both recommendations for ergonomically designed workplaces and for the handling of materials in the safest possible manner.
NIOSH points out that although there are costs involved in improving working conditions and in education, these costs are offset by improved productivity. When workers are less fatigued, they can perform their duties more efficiently. Statistics also show that when working conditions are improved, there is less absenteeism due to illness and injury. In addition, worker’s compensation claims drop significantly when work hazards are eliminated.
Awkward lifting practices, repetitive movements, heavy lifting, stationary postures and extensive pressure point contact such as grasping or leaning against sharp edged surfaces are the 5 main causes of materials handling injuries, according to the guidelines. Other causes include exposure to heat or cold, loud noises and air pollutants. All of these are causes of fatigue, illness and accidents.
Attempt to minimize worker handling of equipment with hard-edged surfaces. Whenever possible, purchase ergonomically designed materials handling equipment. When noise is unavoidable, provide ear protection. A variety of breathing devices should be on hand and freely available for working in dusty conditions or when strong fumes are present.
Encourage workers to come forward with any complaints or concerns they have about their working environment. Workers often don’t speak out about these issues because they are afraid of losing their jobs or are hesitant to sound like complainers. Also, look through your records and see if you can identify any common reasons for workers’ taking time off because of injury.
Once you have identified the health and safety issues, you will find ways to handle them. In the case of repetitive strain injury and other injuries caused by repeated movement or lack of movement, changing the workers’ routines to give them more variety will help reduce RSI and related injuries. When workers must lift heavy loads repeatedly, encourage them to work in pairs or get the proper equipment to do the lifting for them. Give employees instruction in the proper ways to lift and manually move materials.
NIOSH and OSHA are both organizations dedicated to worker health and safety. For more information about safe materials handling in the workplace, contact them directly.
Bahrns Equipment is a recognized leader in the material handling equipment industry. With having over 40 years of experience, If you want expert advice about any warehouse supplies or material handling equipment, contact Bahrns.
Visit Wilkie Brothers Conveyors for all of your Rebuilt Conveyor Chain needs or Blue Water Mfg for other Conveyor Chain needs.