Material Handling and Shipping Fixtures Improve Worker Safety

Worker safety has always been an important issue in the manufacturing industry. However, it has gained even more importance in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. This has happened not only due to fears of the virus, but also due to shortage of labor since the pandemic. Labor retention issues are also a reason why organizations cannot afford to lose their employees to accidents and injuries.

Improvement in material handling and shipping processes can significantly improve worker safety. A few tweaks to make your material handling and shipping more effective can yield great results within no time. Since a large number of workplace accidents happen while handling materials, the right fixtures for this part of the operation can bring about a positive change in the safety of workers. Let us find out how.

Suitable Equipment for the Job

Several manufacturing and storage facilities employ the wrong material handling equipment for various tasks. This is one of the major causes for many workplace accidents. Thus, changing your equipment to more suitable ones for the job can make your workplace safer for the worker safety. For example, using an articulating jib for reaching inaccessible areas of the workplace instead of using manual labor for the same can avoid workers from getting injured. This way, the workers don’t have to assume awkward positions in order to reach difficult places in the workplace.

Good Ergonomics in the Workplace

One of the risks of manual material handling is musculoskeletal disorder (MSD). This happens when your body is stressed by an awkward posture, extreme temperature, or repeated movement, due to which your musculoskeletal system is affected. Your body may begin to have symptoms such as fatigue, discomfort, and pain, which can be the first signs of a musculoskeletal disorder. Material handling fixtures are designed keeping ergonomic factors in mind. When workers are engaged in manual labor for material handling, they tend to bend, lift heavy objects and assume uncomfortable postures. These practices carry several ergonomic risks in worker safety. With material handling and shipping fixtures, the ergonomics are significantly improved at any facility. With the help of the right equipment, employees can work seamlessly without risking back injuries and other potential injuries due to poor ergonomics.

Avoid Risks of Human Error

In material handling and shipping processes, there are chances of human error leading to accidents and product damage. With material handling and shipping fixtures, there are fewer chances of human error. This not only increases worker safety but also avoids product damage. Proper material handling and shipping equipment can eliminate the need for heavy lifting, reducing the chances of workers tripping or falling. For example, two workers carrying a heavy load to the shipping container might accidentally drop the load, damage the product and injure themselves. If there is a forklift in use for this kind of work, the product will be safely transported to the container and the mishap will be avoided.

Therefore, material handling and shipping fixtures improve worker safety, reduce chances of accidents and enhance ergonomic conditions.