In our last post, we discussed the results of a three-year study of musculoskeletal injury risk factors in the trucking industry. While that study focused on long-haul truckers who are forced to maintain the same postures for hours at a time and the toll such limited activity takes on the body, the study provides an instructive lesson for any business owner who uses material handling equipment to move materials and products in the workplace. Any time workers spend long periods of time performing similar tasks, any time workers repeat the same physical movements during their shift, any time workers must adapt their bodies to “fit” the equipment they operate, any time workers must use their own body muscles to move or maneuver materials, the risk of sustaining damaging musculoskeletal injuries increases significantly. Ergonomics is the solution.
The recent study by Atlas Ergonomics reported in EHS Today online evaluated musculoskeletal injury risk factors for commercial truckers by demographics, height, weight, age and gender. Risk factors significantly increased whenever drivers had to stretch or contort their bodies to reach and operate controls. Injuries also increased with the length of time uncomfortable positions had to be maintained. Atlas found that making ergonomic improvements to truck cab designs, control placement and operator actions, could significantly reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries across all driver populations.
Atlas President James Lansman told EHS Today, “Fortunately, as our historical data and work in transportation have shown, driver risk can be measurably reduced through simple, low-cost adjustments to the cab and the drivers’ routines. The data show that sound ergonomics can have a direct, significant impact on trucking companies’ financial performance — which executives may find particularly encouraging in this difficult economy.”
DJ Products ergonomically-designed material handling equipment provides the same benefits to businesses that utilize material handling equipment to move materials, equipment and products in the workplace. Our motorized carts and battery-powered cart movers are engineered to take the burden off workers’ bodies and allow materials and equipment to be transported and maneuvered without musculoskeletal strain or injury. DJ Products’ ergonomically-designed material handling equipment allows equipment to be adjusted to optimal height for use by workers of any size, age or physical ability, ensuring maximum production during every shift.
Next time: Benefits of ergonomic design