MHIA funds OSU ergonomic research

The Material Handling Industry of America announces its first-ever direct funding of materials handling and logistics research.

By Staff -- Modern Materials Handling, 8/15/2008

MHIA will support Ohio State University (OSU) researchers toward the creation of a research center focused on distribution ergonomics. The $50,000 research grant is provided by MHIA through its College Industry Council on Material Handling Education (CICMHE).

Caroline Sommerich and Stephen Lavender of OSU were awarded the grant for their research proposal titled, “Developing a Distribution Ergonomics Research Center.” 

The specific aims of the proposal are:

1. Create a research center that develops and evaluates ergonomic methods, tools and processes that will allow distribution center workers to work more safely and efficiently

2. Develop partnerships between regional DCs and materials handling equipment manufacturers to assist the DCs in becoming “workplaces of excellence” with the proper use of ergonomics and lean engineering.

“MHIA is proud to support this important research, which will contribute significantly to the body of knowledge on ways to improve the safety and productivity of warehouses and distribution centers,” says Daniel Quinn, Material Handling Industry vice chairman of education planning and professional development. “Going forward, MHIA is anxious to support research such as this which will benefit the safety and productivity of factories and warehouses in the United States.”

MHIA anticipates increasing its funding for materials handling and facility logistics research in 2009. A call for those proposals is scheduled to go out in late 2008.

For questions regarding this and future research funding, contact the MHIA vice president of educational and technical services and CICMHE managing director Mike Ogle at 800-345-1815 or 704-676-1190.