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Manual Materials Handling Guide

LIFTING/LOWERING:

• Use mechanized lifts whenever possible
• Minimize the distance loads need to be lifted/lowered
• Avoid storing materials directly on the floor. (use table or shelving so loads can be placed no lower than knuckle height)
• Tag/label unstable/heavy loads
• Reduce the weight of the load by limiting capacity (i.e. smaller containers)
• Clear spaces/paths to improve access to materials being handled
• Stretch before and after lifting heavy loads
• Keep loads as close to the body as possible
• Lift with the legs, not the back
• Keep the back straight, by sticking out the butt and keep your head up looking forward
• Balance lifts on both sides of the body
• Get a secure grip
• Avoid twisting, pivot with the feet instead
• Use both hands if possible
• Use a ladder for overhead loads

Bad Lift	Good Lift

 

CARRYING:

• Slide, drag, push or pull loads instead of carrying whenever possible
• Clear a path
• Tag/label heavy/unstable loads
• Reduce capacity of container
• Keep loads close to the body
• Keep loads between knuckle and chest height
• Minimize carrying distance by using wheeled dollies or carts
• When carrying load with one hand, alternate hands throughout the carry
• Use both hands when possible
• Increase size of handles when possible

PUSHING/PULLING:

• When possible, push instead of pull
• Clear a path
• Reduce capacity of container to reduce weight of load
• Use wheeled carts/containers whenever possible
• Stagger your legs to generate pushing/pulling force, avoid using your back
• Use entire body to push/pull loads, avoid using the shoulders and arms
• Push and pull with both hands whenever possible
• Use equipment with four swivel wheels or castors to improve control
• Proper maintenance of wheeled carts (lubricate, clean, replace wheels frequently)

Bad Push	Good Push

 

WORKSTATION DESIGN:

• Height of table should encourage the elbow to relax at 90 degrees
• Workbench height should be adjustable to accommodate the variance in individual height
• Workbench height should be adjusted for the type of work:
  Light work: at elbow height
  Hard work: below elbow height
  Precision work: above elbow height
• Location of workbench should be minimal distance from other necessary tools
• To minimize awkward postures, select tools based on the height of work and surface setup/design:

 

GENERAL WORKPLACE SUGGESTIONS:

• Utilize job rotation (rotate employees through different jobs)
• Utilize job enlargement (increase variety by involving more tasks or employees in the process)
• Ensure adequate rest periods
• Modify work practices/environment to maintain neutral postures

HR Vision Statement

Recognized leaders in human resource practices and strategic partners in the success of Western and its people.

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