The Risks Associated With Manual Handling
Excessive manual handling in production and logistics environments can pose significant risks to workers
Some of the key risks associated with manual handling:
Manual handling of goods causes over one-third of workplace injuries, resulting in lost productivity, revenue, and even legal action. Manual handling injuries occur in most types of workplaces and situations - anything from receiving incoming goods, stacking shelves in a store or warehouse, working on a conveyor line, or mixing ingredients in food production. Suffering from injuries due to workplace accidents can have serious consequences for both the employer and employee. Such injuries can lead to lost productivity, revenue, and even legal action. Some of the key risks associated with manual handling are as follows:
- Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs): Workers who perform manual handling tasks are at risk of developing MSDs such as back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, and repetitive strain injuries. These conditions can be caused by repeated movements, awkward postures, and heavy lifting.
- Physical strain: Manual handling tasks can be physically demanding, causing workers to experience fatigue, discomfort, and pain. This can lead to decreased productivity and increased risk of injury.
- Slips, trips, and falls: Workers who perform manual handling tasks are at risk of slipping, tripping, or falling, especially if they are working in cluttered or uneven environments.
- Poor posture: Workers who perform manual handling tasks for extended periods of time may adopt poor postures, which can cause long-term damage to their musculoskeletal system.
- Repetitive motions: Repetitive motions associated with manual handling tasks can cause strain and injury to workers over time, leading to conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, and bursitis.
It is important for employers to assess and manage the risks associated with manual handling in production and logistics environments, and to implement measures to reduce the risk of injury to workers. This can include providing appropriate training, equipment, and support to workers, and promoting healthy and safe working practices.
Solutions to Overcome Manual Handling Risks:
Implementation of manual handling systems achieve a lot more than reducing the risk of injury and fatigue. These systems increase productivity, efficiency and flexibility. Investing in the correct systems, will ultimately reduce your expenses, allowing you to do more with less.
Vacuum Lifting as a Smart Solution
Vacuum-assisted lifting virtually eradicates the burden of any load, rendering lifting completely effortless. With this technology, a solitary worker can effortlessly lift a staggering 4500 kg in just one shift, without any muscle soreness. This not only results in happier employees but can also help companies avoid costly insurance claims and sick leave expenses.
Furthermore, this technology allows anyone to lift, regardless of their physical attributes. Companies no longer need to rely solely on individuals with immense physical strength. This encourages diversity, improves workforce flexibility and retention.
In addition to the previously stated benefits, vacuum-assisted lifting also has the potential to increase productivity and efficiency. Workers can lift more in less time, and it reduces downtime due to the need for rest or injury from repetitive lifting. Find out more about vacuum lifting
Lifting Trolleys
In scenarios where adaptability is key, mobile lifting trolleys are the ultimate solution for enhancing ergonomics and efficiency. The modular design of TAWI's lifting trolleys provides exceptional flexibility, as they can be customized with a plethora of tools, allowing operators to lift, lower, turn, tilt, rotate, and maneuver goods with minimal exertion. Their user-friendly operation permits anyone to operate them, promoting workforce adaptability. Popular applications for lifting trolleys include: drum handling, roll and reel handling, crate handling, component handling as well as many other useful applications. Find out more about lifting trolleys
Spring Loaded Pallet Levelers
The PalletPal eliminates bending, reaching, and stretching and serves as an effective ergonomic solution that can be used in conjunction with other handling products. By maintaining loads at a constant height, workers can build and break down pallet loads quickly and easily, while expending minimum effort, simultaneously avoiding the risk of injury and unnecessary fatigue. A built-in turntable top allows workers to spin the load so they can remain in one spot throughout the loading and unloading process.
Scissor Lift tables
The Marco Single Scissor Lift Tables allow the user to accurately control the height/level of the goods with a push control button. Turntables can be fixed to the platform of the lift table. Circular ones are best suited for lift tables placed on the floor. Rectangular turntables are best suited to lift tables that are recessed in the floor.
Industrial Manipulators
Industrial manipulators are designed to pick up difficult-to-handle items/loads in open and hard-to-reach areas. The manipulator's arm is able to make complex movements, holding and placing objects outside of its center of mass. Ad hoc gripping tools are created to effectively handle uniquely shaped items.
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