You've done your research on ergonomics. You've minimized lifting and carrying by implementing jacks, carts, and the like. The employees are definitely safer working at your site. Now you feel pressure to upgrade to motorized equipment. No matter what you do, your employees will have a physical job, and they know it when they apply. So does it matter whether your ergonomic solution cuts out that much physical work? Possibly.
Obviously, the less physical a job is, the safer it is, but completely automating a job site isn't always realistic. Depending on the job, the danger of physical harm caused by manual labor will vary. Factors include: frequency of the job task, other job responsibilities, breaks, effort required to use the tools or equipment, and body mechanics. It is important to remember that when researchers determined that pushing and pulling was safer than lifting and carrying, they didn't account for the new demands pushing and pulling placed on the body. Ultimately, pushing and pulling can create a new set of physical problems for employees. Knowing how employees are using tools and transportation devices is vital to making a decision about motorized equipment.
Frequency of job tasks and other responsibilities- what are your employees doing all day? Most work-related MSDs are the result of any one or a combination of movements like bending/twisting, awkward or static postures, vibration, heavy lifting, and pushing/pulling. The most dangerous element of manual material handling (in relation to MSDs) is repetitive movement. Do any of the above actions repeatedly, and a problem becomes very likely to arise. If the equipment in mind is a cart, and some effort is required to move the cart, ask whether this pushing/pulling task is done repeatedly throughout a shift. Are there other job duties that exacerbate the muscles or posture used to push and pull the cart? Are other job duties also strenuous enough to cause fatigue? If this cart is ultimately wearing your employee down, or eliminating manually operating a cart will significantly spare an employee of unnecessary strain, a motorized option may be for you.
Breaks and shift rotation- other job responsibilities overlaps here, too. If your employees are exposed to a lot of physical labor (or extreme heat, etc.,) frequent breaks will increase the longevity of one's career. The body is designed to be active, but it does require rest. Additionally, if there are many job tasks that vary in movement and effort needed to perform the task, can employees rotate stations? If employees are exposed to a number of activities that differ in physical demand, it may offer rest and relief from repetition. If employees can't take frequent breaks, can't rotate stations, or each station is placing similar physical demands on the body, then motorized equipment may be a sound investment.
Effort required and body mechanics- how strenuous is it to manually start, stop, and maneuver the equipment? Even if a heavy load is being carted around rather than carried, effort is still required to move the transportation vessel. Also, how aware are your employees of proper body mechanics when performing job duties? Are they able to manipulate tools and equipment safely? Adjustable handles and shelves along with safety training will go a ways. When that doesn't go far enough, motorized equipment may be the answer.
Ultimately, there are a range of ergonomic solutions for every job task. Some are as simple as rearranging height to workspace ratio. Some are as complex as automating the work station. The safest work environments pay attention not only to the equipment and layout, but also employee awareness of potential problems and safety issues. Regardless of how you manage ergonomic concerns, safety training and checking in with employees is a must.
This article assumes that ergonomics have already become a part of the job site to minimize work-related injury. If a manual material handling site is new to ergonomics and work related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), there are many more changes to consider than just motorized equipment. Consult resources or experts that deal with basic ergonomic solutions to create the safest environment for your employees.
Carol Olin is Vice President of Americarts USA, a manufacturer of low cost motorized carts and battery powered platform carts used for hospital transporting, hospitality and industrial. Americart USA features high quality carts price to compete with imported products. Carol has been in the material transport equipment industry for over 11 years.
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