Manual Material Handling

1
Manual Material Handling

• Accounts for 25 to 30 of all overexertion
  injuries
• Workers must be taught appropriate handling
  methods, but more importantly
• The entire work system must be structured with
  the goal of injury reduction in mind

2
Factors Affecting Injuries

• Worker characteristics - physical condition,
  training
• Material and container characteristics - load
  dimensions
• Task characteristics - workspace geometry, pace
• Work practices - administrative safety
  incentives, work shifts

3
Operations Performed in Manual Material Handling

• Pushing and Pulling
• Holding and Carrying
• Lifting and Lowering

4
Pushing and Pulling Guidelines

• Two hands are better than one
• Force capability declines as it is exerted more
  often
• Females are weaker, esp. in pushing
• Push at waist level rather than at shoulder or
  knee level
• Pull at knee level, rather than at shoulder or
  waist level

5
Other Push/Pull Considerations

• Traction on floor
• Maintain equipment by lubricating
• Avoid manual push/pull for long distances, up
  ramps, frequent moves
• See tables for max force, coefficients of
  friction, etc.
• Try to avoid having workers work at max

6
Holding and Carrying

• Everything on wheels
• Guidelines Minimize the moment arm of the load
  vs. the spine
• Carry large loads occasionally rather than light
  loads often
• Shoulder or head load assists are better than
  using hand carries

7
Lifting and Lowering

• NIOSH guideline for static load lifting
• Try to use smooth, controlled lifting motions
  rather than jerking.
• Good posture, lift with the legs
• Raise the items starting point
• Keep the item near the body
• Reduce twisting