MANUAL MATERIAL HANDLING
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315-002-01-IGDO © 2019, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS)
1 877 494 WSPS (9777) | 905 614 1400 | www.wsps.ca
Instruct employees to:
push rather than pull
avoid overloading – limit the load pushed or pulled at one time
ensure the load does not block vision
never push one load and pull another at the same time
Carrying and Holding
Reduce carrying and holding forces by:
evaluating the work flow – determine if heavy loads can be moved mechanically over any distance
converting the operation into a pushing or pulling task
providing carts, slings or trolleys
providing portable containers in which to place awkward loads
providing grips or handles on loads
limiting the distance over which the load is moved
Environmental Factors
Maintain an optimum environment by ensuring that:
the temperature of the work area is at an acceptable level
in a hot environment
– workers take frequent breaks away from the heat
– workers drink frequently from liquids provided near the work site
in a cold environment,
– workers wear good insulating clothing
– loads are easy to handle when gloves and heavy clothing are worn
humidity is at an acceptable level
lifting instructions can be heard in a noisy environment
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