Once again, we reached out to Don Duval, MDTA Construction Safety Auditor for Anthony Management Group, for some safety tips. This month he suggests we reacquaint ourselves with OSHA’s recommendations for Materials Handling and why it so vital to pay attention!
Handling and storing materials involves diverse operations such as hoisting tons of steel with a crane, driving a truck loaded with concrete blocks; carrying bags or materials manually, and stacking palletized bricks or other materials such as drums, barrels, kegs, and lumber.
What is proper material handling?
Avoid lifting materials from the floor or while seated. Make use of available handling aids. Refrain from using sudden or jerky movements. Never lift a load over an obstacle. Perform lifts in areas with adequate footing, space and lighting.
Why material handling is hazardous?
Material handling is accompanied by numerous risks, especially when done manually. Tasks such as lifting, carrying and pushing can make the workplace unsafe for employees. Material handling injuries can also be quite expensive with medical costs, lost productivity and decreased employee morale.
Why safety in material handling is important?
The reason being, a proper materials handling protocol will prevent accidents and improve the efficiency of your facility or construction site. … Whether its maximizing the efficiency of your loading dock or preventing workplace accidents, a proper material handling protocol is key.
What are 4 potential hazards relating to materials handling injuries?
Some of the hazards in material handling include: Workers being hit by materials, caught between them or in pinch points. Exceeding load limits. Falling caused by improperly stored materials. For more detailed information on materials handling safety, see the PDF from OSHA at the link below:
https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/osha2236.pdf
