Staff working onsite should be instructed on the safe lifting and handling techniques to use as part of your onboarding process. This will ensure best practices are observed from the outset reducing risks of accidents, injuries and damage to stock.
Plan
Before goods are moved, warehouse workers should consider the load and task but also the environment, ensuring that the route is completely clear and free of any potential hazards.
Use mechanical aids
When possible and appropriate, workers should use mechanical aids (like pump trucks or trolleys designed to move large heavy objects like furniture) that can bear weight and make material handling smoother, swifter and easier.
Correct lifting position
However, when goods must be moved manually operators should use the correct position. The steps are described simply: get close, bend at the knees and use your legs. Workers should get as close as possible to loads. Then with their back straight and tummy muscles tight, bend at the knees and use their legs to lift.
Handling loads in motion
From beginning to end, when carrying a load, workers must maintain good posture or run the risk of injuries to their back, shoulders and arms. Loads should be kept close to the body and workers should use a smooth motion to move and avoid twisting.
When to take breaks
When loads are heavy or the distance that goods must travel is far, encourage workers to take breaks. Putting loads down temporarily can alleviate symptoms of physical stress on limbs and hands. The same process for lifting should be adopted to pick goods up and in reverse to set them down. However, when rest stops are taken, goods should never be set down where they present a hazard or block access to others.
Wearing the right apparel
Warehouse workers should always wear appropriate shoes for lifting. Footwear should be comfortable to ensure ease of movement but also protective when heavy loads are involved. Work boots with reinforced toe caps are recommended. Workers should be mindful that shoes or boots have no loose laces before attempting to lift or handle goods.
It is also important that workers use the right gloves for manual handling. Durable gloves should be selected that are a good fit and have a coating or texture that aids gripping. Gloves can protect hands from wear, abrasions and cuts while improving grip.
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