Safe Materials Handling

Materials Handling and Storage

POTENTIAL HAZARDS

Handling and storing materials involves diverse operations such as hoisting tons of steel with a crane, driving a truck loaded with concrete blocks, manually carrying bags and material, and stacking drums, barrels, kegs, lumber, or loose bricks.

The efficient handling and storing of materials is vital to industry. These operations provide a continuous flow of raw materials, parts, and assemblies through the workplace, and ensure that materials are available when needed. Yet, the improper handling and storing of materials can cause costly injuries.

Workers frequently cite the weight and bulkiness of objects being lifted as major contributing factors to their injuries. In 1990, back injuries resulted in 400,000 workplace accidents. The second factor frequently cited by workers as contributing to their injuries was body movement. Bending, followed by twisting and turning, were the more commonly cited movements that caused back injuries. Back injuries accounted for more than 20 percent of all occupational illnesses, according to data from the National Safety Council(1).

In addition, workers can be injured by falling objects, improperly stacked materials, or by various types of equipment. When manually moving materials, however, workers should be aware of potential injuries, including the following:

• Strains and sprains from improperly lifting loads, or from carrying loads that are either too large or too heavy.
• Fractures and bruises caused by being struck by materials, or by being caught in pinch points; and
• Cuts and bruises caused by falling materials that have been improperly stored, or by incorrectly cutting ties or other securing devices.

Since numerous injuries can result from improperly handling and storing materials, it is important to be aware of accidents that may occur from unsafe or improperly handled equipment and improper work practices, and to recognize the methods for eliminating, or at least minimizing, the occurrence of those accidents. Consequently, employers and employees can and should examine their workplaces to detect any unsafe or unhealthful conditions, practices, or equipment and take the necessary steps to correct them.

Video Training Materials:

Materials Handling Safety Training Guides

METHODS OF PREVENTION

General safety principles can help reduce workplace accidents. These include work practices, ergonomic principles, and training and education. Whether moving materials manually or mechanically, employees should be aware of the potential hazards associated with the task at hand and know how to exercise control over their workplaces to minimize the danger. Read more...

Material Handling Safety

This self-paced, interactive training program has been adapted from an extensive PowerPoint presentation. It includes manual and mechanical material handling and storage at surface mines, mills, and plants.

Materials Handling Guide

Material handling can be a major source of occupational injuries whether the work is done manually or with mechanical assistance. Jobs that involve manual, mechanical or repetitive handling present the highest risk of injury.

Summary of RequirementsMaterial handling requires careful consideration of many factors including the area of ergonomics. Every job that involves manual, mechanical or repetitive handling should have a job analysis performed to determine how worker injury can be minimized.Most back injuries that occur on the job are a result of poor lifting technique. Lifting and carrying objects should be designed out of jobs whenever possible. When lifting cannot be avoided, employees should get assistance with heavy and awkward object. The risk of injury can be reduced by staying in good physical shape, planning the lift and removing all obstacles, getting a good grip, getting load close to the body and lifting with the legs. Avoid twisting the back and lifting a load above shoulder height. Lower the load carefully, again bending the knees and keeping the back straight.TrainingEach department is required to provide adequate training to all employees who are susceptible to material handling injuries. This would include proper lifting techniques, proper adjustment of workstations and specialized training in how to use material handling equipment on the job. OSHA specifies that employees involved in the following materials handling operations must receive training:

• Powered industrial trucks
• Cranes
• Powered platforms
• Servicing multi-piece rim wheels