Study focuses on health effects of manual handling

A recent paper published by the Advanced Engineering Forum reviews the ergonomic risk factors and health effects associated with manual materials handling in industrial workplaces.

The key ergonomic risk factors identified are awkward working postures, excessive load handling, and exposure to extreme temperatures. These factors contribute to occupational injuries including back pain, shoulder pain and muscle fatigue.

The paper estimates that 10% of processes in working environments with a high level of automation still require manual effort. For example, items are often lifted by hand from automated machinery. Order pickers in warehouses that are guided to items by automated systems often use aisle picking trolleys for manually transporting goods to packing stations.

Carrying excessive loads manually is identified as a major cause of muscle fatigue. Extreme temperature also increases fatigue in workers who manually handle materials. Both very hot and cold conditions can increase lower back symptoms. Extreme temperatures also impair dexterity, which causes accidents.

The paper concludes that ergonomic risk factors, such as awkward postures, heavy loads and extreme temperatures, can negatively affect occupational health during manual materials handling, which may lead to injuries like back and shoulder pain, as well as muscle fatigue. The authors recommend further analysis of risk factors like load mass, holding time, and walking surfaces to develop models that predict their impact on workers’ health.

Manual handling equipment manufacturers will continue to apply ergonomic design principles in developing equipment that reduces the health risks associated with manual handling.

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