BUSINESS IN MOTION: MANAGING MATERIAL HANDLING HAZARDS
WSPS.CA
2
Every workplace faces Material Handling hazards that can arise from equipment,
machinery, or manual movement by workers. Engaging in unsafe material handling
practices can lead to injuries and even fatalities.
In 2022, Material handling contributed to the following:
11 Struck-by Fatalities*
7 Crush-by Fatalities*
17,647 reportable lower back injuries in 2023, many of which may be due to lifting,
pushing, and carrying**
*Source: MLITSD Statistics, April 2023
**Source: WSIB Health & Safety statistics, June 2023
The first step in managing Material Handling hazards is to recognize the various types
of activities involved in moving things, making things and storing things or products in
your business. As with all hazards start by identifying how your business handles your
raw goods to
finished products at work. Once you've identified when and how this
hazard exists in your business you are then better able to prioritize your time, energy and
resources to prevent against the most serious or most common material handling hazards.
These actions together combined with regular observation is called due diligence.
Due diligence also protects you and the business from intervention.
This resource is specifically designed to assist workplaces in identifying different material
handling tasks, documenting their location, and highlighting why they pose a potential
safety hazard. This allows your business to create preventative safety measures to avoid
accidents or injuries.
The Material Handling Hazard Identification tool helps workplaces identify hazards and
take proactive measures to reduce risks for workers. Although the tool doesn't include
an assessment component, the hazard inventory helps prioritize critical hazards needing
immediate attention. While this resource is a good starting point, some material handling
hazards may require further review or control programs. Please contact us to discuss high-
risk hazards and next steps.
IDENTIFY
MATERIAL
HANDLING
HAZARDS
& TAKE ACTION
