Manual Materials Handling (MMH) Solutions to Control MSD Hazards in Manufacturing and Warehousing Poster

Manual materials handling includes lifting, lowering, carrying, pushing, pulling and gripping materials.

• These tasks are considered a major cause of back disorders in industry.
• In manufacturing, back injuries account for ~50% of all exertion/bodily reaction injuries (WSIB, 2020).

Eliminate or control musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) hazards associated with manual materials handling tasks by following the hierarchy of controls:

• Investigate implementing engineering controls, such as the solutions provided below, to change the way work is performed. These solutions can often improve worker productivity and product quality.
• Implement necessary administrative controls, such as training.

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MSD Hazard: Weight Lifted/Lowered/Carried – Solutions to control handling

• Reduce the overall weight by splitting into smaller loads, if possible
• Avoid manually handling uneven, unbalanced loads
• Use both hands when handling objects/materials, if possible
• Create handles to improve grip on objects/materials

Train and Engage Workers

• Equipment Training: How to use equipment as intended to eliminate or control MSD hazards
•  Work Methods Training: How to minimize exposure to MSD hazards (i.e., lifting and handling techniques, body positioning). Hazard specific training should be provided by qualified, knowledgeable person
• Hazard Reporting: How to identify and report MSD hazards in the workplace
• Control Hazards: Use a participative approach, which includes workers in the development and implementation of MSD hazard controls

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MSD Hazard: Push/Pull Force – Solutions to control push/pull force

• Implement regular equipment maintenance schedules
• Evaluate flooring material and floor maintenance for mobile equipment on wheels
• Use appropriate castor design for carts, depending on the application (i.e., diameter, material, swivel positioning, number of wheels, etc.)
• Use both hands when manually pushing or pulling, if possible

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