Ergonomic hazards could put employees at risk, negatively impacting the business as a whole. Repetitive motions, poor posture, extreme temperatures, excessive weight, and improper lighting are some of the most common hazards that can lead to MSDs and injuries.
To avoid indirect and direct costs associated with material handling injuries, it’s important to implement ergonomic solutions. Hovair Systems offers a range of ergonomic solutions to make the labor-intensive material handling process much safer and more convenient for all.
Before you check out our range of systems for moving heavy machinery, here are a few tips to follow for preventing material handling injuries.
Tip #1- Use Proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Your faculty workers having access to adequate protection equipment will help significantly minimize injuries associated with material handling. Ensure the PPE is well-designed and constructed to suit your working style and industry. The comfort of your employees must be a priority, so ensure the PPE is comfortable enough for them to happily use the protection equipment every time they handle material in the facility.
Tip #2- Invest in the Right Material Handling Equipment
Manual material handling is time-consuming, laborious, and fairly risky, considering what the human body can handle. Using the right equipment to handle loads is the key to reducing injuries while ensuring the safety of workers.
They help minimize the need for forceful exertions to lift or carry heavy loads while simultaneously helping increase profitability and productivity.
If you’re unsure about the right equipment that suits your material handling needs, talk to our expert representatives. They possess the knowledge and experience required to help you streamline the right storage equipment for your facility.
Tip #3- Consider Workplace Layout Improvements
Workplace layout is among the engineering controls that help determine the safety and efficiency of workers. The facility’s design layout will also help understand the type of equipment that must be used, along with helping to determine the flow of workers and materials in a way that maximizes safety and productivity.
Poorly designed layouts could result in wasted energy, time, and space. When planning the layout, consider the intended purpose of the area, materials to be used, codes and standards for compliance, and maintenance techniques you plan to employ. Moreover, each working area should be based on ergonomic principles best suited for particular tasks.
Tip #4- Conduct Regular Workplace Safety Training Sessions
Physical weariness and fatigue are common when handling material or heavy loads. Encourage your employees to take occupational safety seriously and introduce pre-shift warm-up exercises, routinely stretch breaks and other things to promote a healthy, safe, and team culture.
Scheduling regular safety training sessions not only helps your company remain compliant but also enhances productivity and reduces the risks associated with workplace injuries. Educate the workers so that they can make better decisions that don’t take a toll on their bodies. Implementing a carefully-drafted safety strategy with stringent protocols is also recommended to prevent workplace injuries and reduce labor turnover.
When employees perform their tasks knowing the company takes their health and safety seriously, it enhances their morale and, therefore, productivity, which ultimately adds to the overall bottom line.
Learn About Switching To Hovair System’s Pneumatic-Powered Tools
Are you looking to switch to pneumatic-powered tools that make moving heavy equipment much easier and safer? Hovair Systems manufactures a range of systems for moving heavy machinery that meets industry regulations and keeps both the loads and workers safe and secure.
We offer premium quality lifting & rigging equipment, air bearings, and industrial and vehicle turntable systems at cost-effective rates. We’re also recognized as one of the leading platforms that design and build durable air bearings, air caster, weight management solutions, heavy load management devices, heavy load carriers, paper roll handling technology, nuclear casks, automobile turntables, commercial turntables, and more!