The limitations of what humans can and cannot do

By Staff -- Modern Materials Handling, 1/1/2001

"We know the human elements of what people can and can't do. If you ask people to do more than what they're physically capable of, the action will result in an injury," says Mike Wynn, vice president of Humantech, Inc. (Ann Arbor, Mich.).

During the National Ergonomics Conference, Wynn focused on manual materials handling tasks because they are a common cause of injury in manufacturing and distribution facilities. In order to avoid injury that is caused by job demands exceeding worker capabilities, Wynn advocated certain practices for repositioning materials through lifting, lowering, pushing, and pulling to minimize injuries and maximize efficiencies. Wynn recommends use of two guidelines.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) offers a work practice guide for manual lifting. It provides specific criteria for lifting and lowering activities. Other guidelines are tables for maximum acceptable weights and forces that should be used to monitor pushing, pulling, and carrying tasks.

In addition to reducing worker injury, having the right equipment, such as pallet lifts, closer pallets/waste bins, and anti-fatigue matting, to work with will also save time and ultimately money, says Wynn.

Humantech has unveiled a new page on their Web site called VendorWeb, which is designed to be a resource for ergonomics solutions. For more information, visit www.htec.com or call 734-663-6706.