Page 52 - OHS, October 2023

TRAINING: MATERIALS HANDLING Best Practices Warehousemanagerscanimplementseveraleffffectivestrate- gies to enhance manual material handling operations. Compa- nies should start by providing proper training and education for workers. Effffective training ensures employees are well-versed in safe lifting techniques, correct posture, and proper handling procedures. Regular training sessions help prevent injuries and maintain a skilled and knowledgeable workforce. Considering how employees interact with their work envi- ronment is crucial when designing ergonomic workstations. Creating workstations and storage areas that minimize the need for workers to bend, twist, or lift heavy objects can significantly reduce physical strain. Incorporating ergonomically-designed equipment and tools further alleviates the physical toll on em- ployees, promoting their well-being. Another valuable practice is task rotation. Avoid overexertion and monotony by periodically shifting workers between different tasks. This approach helps mitigate the risk of repetitive strain injuries and keeps employees engaged and motivated. Setting clear weight limits for lifting objects and carrying tasks is important. Providing tools like lifting aids, trolleys, and dol- lies for handling heavier loads can greatly facilitate the process. Implement two person lift procedures for lifting large, heavy, and awkward objects. A well-organized and clean warehouse layout contributes to efficient material handling. Placing frequently accessed items within easy reach minimizes unnecessary movements and reduc- es the time and effort required. Keep the work area free and clear of debris and other hazards that could cause a slip, trip, or fall. Safety measures play a pivotal role in manual material han- dling. Enforcing strict safety protocols, including the use of per- sonal protective equipment (PPE), maintaining clear pathways, and promptly addressing any safety hazards, is vital to ensure a secure working environment. Promoting collaboration and communication among work- ers, supervisors, and management is beneficial. Encouraging employee feedback regarding potential improvements in manual material handling processes can lead to more effective strategies and a safer workplace overall. This helps employees feel like they are valued and appreciated. Future Trends The future of manual handling in warehouses is likely to be shaped by several existing and emerging technologies. These trends include the following: ■ Rise of assistive technologies ■ Use of data-driven insights ■ Adoption of collaborative robots (“cobots”) ■ Use of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) ■ Emergence of on-demand labor platforms Assistive technologies such as wearable devices, exoskeletons, and ergonomic tools are becoming increasingly sophisticated and affordable and are being used to reduce physical strain on ware- house workers. These technologies can help to prevent injuries, improve productivity, and reduce absenteeism. Warehouses are increasingly using sensors and data analyt- ics to collect information about inventory levels, traffic patterns, and worker movements. This data can be used to optimize the Repeatedly lifting, carrying, and moving heavy objects can lead to musculoskeletal disorders, back injuries, and other health issues. handling of materials and identify areas where effifficiency can be improved. Cobots are designed to work alongside human workers. They can perform tasks such as lifting, conveying, and transporting goods, which helps reduce workers’ physical workload. Cobots can also be programmed to perform repetitive tasks more accu- rately and consistently than human workers. AR headsets can be used to provide warehouse workers with visual guidance and overlays. This helps them to pinpoint items, navigate precise routes, and make better decisions during manual material handling tasks. VR and AR are being used to develop more immersive and realistic training simulations for warehouse workers. They are in- teractive and allow workers to make real-time decisions and see the consequences in a virtual environment. This helps them to learn new skills quickly and safely. On-demand labor platforms make it easier for warehouses to quickly scale their workforce up or down to meet changing demands. This helps to ensure that there are always enough workers available to handle the workload without overstaffing or understaffing. These trends are all expected to have a significant impact on the future of manual material handling in warehouses. By adopt- ing these technologies and practices, warehouses can improve safety, efficiency, and productivity. Key to Remember Manual handling remains a fundamental aspect of warehouse operations, despite the advancements in automation and technol- ogy. Warehouse managers must balance the benefits of manual material handling with the associated challenges by implement- ing best practices, prioritizing worker safety, and embracing emerging trends in the industry. As technology continues to evolve, manual material handling will likely become more effi- cient, ergonomic, and integrated with smart warehouse systems, contributing to improved Overall safety of the workplace. Holly Pups, CSP, MSP, became a valued member of the J. J. Keller team in 2021, stepping into the role of EHS Editor with a focus on workplace safety. Her background includes serving as a former OSHA compliance officer, amassing over a decade of industrial safety experience in diverse sectors such as warehousing, pharmaceuticals, public administration, and plastics manufacturing. 52 Occupational Health & Safety | OCTOBER 2023 www.ohsonline.com