The warehouse can be a very volatile workplace. There are many physical tasks to be performed and most of them include lifting or moving heavy objects.
The possibilities for injury, especially MSD conditions are very high.
Workers use a lot of energy to get work done. In addition, there may be a lot of repeated motions most of which involve lifting and moving bulky items. Consequently, it is imperative that warehouses invest in machinery that will reduce injuries in the workplace.
A piece of equipment such as a scissor lift table is a great investment in such an environment. It not only mitigates injuries but also make work a lot easier for your workers.
Risks Associated with Material Handling
Material handling comes with injury risks that are peculiar to the tasks involved. Safety experts describe one of the most exposed areas as the power zone. If you overexert this area, you are likely to end up with injuries to your back, shoulders, and arms. Other parts of your body may be affected as well.
MSDs which come as a result of overexertion causes damage to your tendons, ligaments, blood vessels and muscles. The nerves are also included here and you could end up in a lot of pain.
Ergonomic risk management can be used to mitigate most of these injuries. The workplace is studied in a bid to find solutions and reduce risks of injury. Some of the solutions include the following:
- Reducing repetitive tasks performed for long periods of time
- Installing engineering solutions to take over some of the injury-causing tasks
Some of the primary factors that lead to injury on the production floor include the following:
Awkward Postures
Many people are unaware that improper bending and twisting motions can cause problems for the body. These are usually made worse if the motions are executed while you have a heavy object in your arms.
If your posture goes beyond the power zone, you are exposing yourself to injury and possibly a world of pain. Scissor lift tables are built to eliminate the risk of working in perilous positions.
Forceful Applications
Application that is forceful and goes beyond the power zone is bound to cause problems. These exertions are quite common in warehouses. A lift table allows the worker to bring the item they are working within their reach. This helps to reduce the risk of MSDs.
Repetitive Motions
Some material handling motions have to be done over and over again. This may cause risk especially if you use the same muscles repetitively throughout the day as you work. Such motions include bending and lifting. A lift table comes in handy to eliminate your need to bend and lift.
Pressure Points
When workers handle bulky materials manually, they are exposed to pressure point risks. These are also defined as pinch points where workers feet and hands can get caught between objects or machine parts.
Your solution comes in the form of a lift table which can elevate the load to a comfortable position. The worker is then able to reach and work on it comfortable reducing pressure point injury risk.
Fixed Postures
If a worker maintains a fixed posture over a long period, they are prone to the risk of Muscular-Skeletal Disorders. Using a lift table makes it possible for the worker to have a little motion. While there is no chance of overexerting here, it is still dangerous to remain in one position for too long.
Conclusion
There is a lot that can be done to improve the work environment especially in warehouses and factories. The objective is to ensure that workers are comfortable in the work station and chances of injury are reduced.
The benefits of ensuring that workers are safe in the workplace are a hundredfold. They include a happier and less tense workplace and reduction in the number of work-related injuries. This rolls over to the business because there is more money to advance other aspects of the company.
