The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has published a booklet containing updated safety guidelines for manual material handling.
According to NIOSH
This booklet is written for managers and supervisors in industries that involve the manual handling of containers. It offers suggestions to improve the handling of rectangular, square, and cylindrical containers, sacks, and bags.
Here is an excerpt from the foreword by John Howard, Director NIOSH and Len Welsh, Acting Chief Cal/OSHA:
Scientific evidence shows that effective ergonomic interventions can lower the physical demands of MMH work tasks, thereby lowering the incidence and severity of the musculoskeletal injuries they can cause.
Their potential for reducing injury related costs alone make ergonomic interventions a useful tool for improving a company’s productivity, product quality, and overall business competitiveness. But very often productivity gets an additional and solid shot in the arm when managers and workers take a fresh look at how best to use energy, equipment, and exertion to get the job done in the most effi cient, effective, and effortless way possible.
Planning that applies these principles can result in big wins for all concerned.
This booklet will help you to recognize high-risk MMH work tasks and choose effective options for reducing their physical demands.
Download the Ergonomic Guidelines for Manual Material Handling (NIOSH, pdf).
Ergonomics training materials (videos, kits, booklets) we offer: