Ergonomics is defined as the study of work and is based on the principle that the job should be adapted to fit the person, rather than forcing the person to fit the job. Ergonomics focuses on the work environment and items such as design and function of work stations, controls, displays, safety devices, tools, and lighting to fit the employees' physical requirements and to ensure their health and well being. Ergonomics includes restructuring or changing work place conditions to make the job easier and reducing stressors that can cause injuries. In the area of materials handling and storing, ergonomic principles may require controls such as reducing the size or weight of the objects lifted, installing a mechanical lifting aid, or changing the height of a pallet or shelf.
In addition to using ergonomic controls, there are some basic safety principles that can be employed to reduce injuries resulting from handling and storing materials. These include taking general fire safety precautions and keeping aisles and passageways clear.
When using aisles and passageways to move materials mechanically, sufficient clearance must be allowed for aisles at loading docks, through doorways, wherever turns must be made, and in other parts of the work place. Providing sufficient clearance for mechanically moved materials will prevent workers from being pinned between the equipment and fixtures in the work place, such as walls, racks, posts, or other machines. Sufficient clearance also will prevent the load from striking an obstruction and falling on an employee.
All passageways used by employees should be kept clear of obstructions and tripping hazards. Materials in excess of supplies needed for immediate operations should not be stored in aisles or passageways, and permanent aisles and passageways must be marked appropriately.
In other words, material handling and storing takes an effort on your part to think about safety when moving, storing or lifting anything. It's your responsibility, and it's an important part of your job.
The ASCPA Safety Committee will feature and archive these articles and information on its Web site, www.ascpa.com. Be sure to look for SAFETY FIRST! in both the AZ CPA and on the Web site (under Member Service Center). If you have ideas on safety topics or issues to bring up, please forward them to José Herrera, Director of Member Services, at (602) 252-4144 ext. 205 or at jherrera@ascpa.com.
