Page 100 - Treston main catalogue 2021

TROLLEYS TROLLEYS

Ergonomics for manual handling of loads

Manual handling of loads (also known as MMH – manual materials handling) means moving or handling things by lifting,
lowering, pushing, pulling, carrying, holding, or restraining. Manual handling of loads is generally considered to be an
occupational risk factor for low back and shoulder complaints and it is in fact the most common cause of occupational fatigue,
low back pain and lower back injuries. Therefore, it should not come as a surprise that paying attention to ergonomics for
manual handling of loads is extremely important for the safety and health of the workers as well as for the efficiency and
productivity of the processes.

Pushing and pulling from an ergonomics
viewpoint
Pushing and pulling are the two physical tasks most POOR VERY
commonly related to working on and operating trolleys. The POOR
most common risk factors, related to pushing and pulling
tasks, which could hinder the ergonomics, are forceful Shoulder
pushing/pulling, trolley design that does not promote height
neutral body postures, wrong direction of exerted forces FAIR POOR VERY
(e.g. pulling when you should be pushing), one handed POOR
pushing or pulling, too heavy loads and wrong handle Elbow
height. VERY height
POOR
A task suitable trolley that adapts to the size of the user is the GOOD POOR Hip
height
VERY
answer to reducing the risk of work related musculoskeletal POOR
disorders (WMSD), especially for lower back, knee and Knuckle
shoulder injuries. When selecting a trolley for the task, you height
should always consider the human body power zones, FAIR POOR VERY
where people have the greatest strength and most comfort POOR
working. See the image on the right as a reference. Trolley Knee
design should ensure that pushing and pulling can be done height
from the optimal height, between the knuckle and shoulder
VERY
height of the worker, with the arms as close to the body POOR POOR
as possible. Working in your power zone reduces the start
force needed for pushing and pulling, reduces the effort
and force needed to perform work tasks, and reduces the
stress on your back and shoulders.
Illustration on the power zones where people have the
greatest strength and most comfort, in regards of lifting and
placing loads, pushing and pulling (i.e. above the knees,
below the shoulders, and close to the body).

100 Treston - For a better work environment