More than simply an issue of comfort, ergonomics is essential to guaranteeing employees’ health, safety and productivity, especially in an environment like an industrial warehouse.
Warehouse work is physically taxing, (manual lifting, repetitive motions, and extended standing), and without utilizing ergonomic best practices, the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) could be significant. MSDs include tendinitis, lower back and shoulder injuries, and muscle strains.
Some of the most common warehouse safety risks, including:
- Manual Lifting and Handling: Heavy lifting, bending, or over-reaching can cause back and shoulder injuries.
- Repetitive Motion: Performing the same tasks over time can lead to repetitive strain injuries.
- Prolonged Standing: Long periods of standing at work have been linked to potential health ramifications, including fatigue, cardiovascular issues, lower back pain and leg swelling.
- Workstations: Workstations at incorrect heights require additional movement and strain to complete tasks.
The main goal of a proper ergonomics strategy is to assist employers and workers in creating safer, more ergonomic workplaces by providing , tools, and strategies for the workforce. Although OSHA does not have an ergonomics plan (except for a few state mandated plans), an ergonomics focus will increase productivity, reduce costs, and positive work experience for employees.
Provided are recommendations for employers who want to place a focus on ergonomics in their warehouses, such as ergonomic assessments review lists and training materials. These consist of:
- Proper Lifting Techniques: Train workers to lift using their legs rather than their back and to avoid twisting when carrying loads.
- Use of Ergonomic Equipment: In addition to tools like pallet jacks and forklifts, order picking carts, lift tables and adjustable height workstations can be incorporated to reduce physical strain.
- Task Variation: Design workflows that alternate tasks to reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries.
- Workstation Design: Ensure that workspaces are designed to minimize unnecessary reaching, bending, or stretching.
- Regular Breaks: Schedule short breaks to allow workers to rest and stretch, reducing fatigue and strain.
- PPE (Personal Protective Equipment): Provide necessary protective gear, such as gloves and , if needed.
- Wearable Technology: Use devices that monitor posture and movement to alert workers when they are at risk of injury. Ergonomic trained supervsors should perform ergonomic observations to determine if there are better and more effective ways to perform a task.
An ergonomic process’s success depends on management’s commitment. Clear goals and objectives need to be established by management, employees trained, and periodic audits completed.
Gallagher Bassett Techincal Services can perform ergonomic assessment and provide both general training or train the trainer training to your staff. Course Search – Gallagher Bassett Technical Services.
To increase workplace safety and lower the risk of accidents, ergonomics is essential. Organizations can establish work environments that reduce stress, boost productivity, and promote the general well-being of their employees by following following best ergonomic practices and putting ergonomic solutions into practice. Any company that is dedicated to workplace safety should place a high premium on ergonomics because it will pay back dividends at the end.
Additional Information
OSHA:
- OSHA provides a “Pocket Guide” for warehouse safety which addresses the 10 most frequently cited OSHA standards, including ergonomics and safety. OSHA Pocket Guide for Warehousing
OSHA recommendations for protecting workers from Musculoskeletal Disorders in the Workplace. Ergonomics – Overview | OSHA.gov | Occupational Safety and Health Administration