BUSINESS IN MOTION: MANAGING MATERIAL HANDLING HAZARDS
WSPS.CA
4
STEP 1: What are the tasks?
Identify tasks where workers or machines move, place, or store materials or objects.
Anytime something is moved, there is a risk of crush-by, struck-by, or
musculoskeletal injuries.
CONDUCT A WALK-THROUGH OF THE WORKPLACE, OBSERVE OPERATIONS,
AND DOCUMENT ALL MATERIAL HANDLING TASKS IN THE COLUMN A,
ON THE FILLABLE FORM FOUND ON PAGE 9.
Examples of material handling in workplaces include:
Lifting, pushing, pulling or sliding materials by workers between areas
Use of equipment and vehicles to transport materials
Storage of materials on overhead racks or shelves
Receiving materials and placing them in their designated locations
Movement of materials on conveyors or rollers
Use of machines and equipment to facilitate material handling
STEP 2: Where are the tasks located?
Material Handling tasks can be common practices in your workplace. It is very important to
create an inventory of all Material Handling tasks to ensure each is captured and there are
no tasks overlooked.
CREATE A COMPLETE LIST OF WHERE MATERIAL HANDLING IS HAPPENING
IN ALL OPERATIONS.
Examples of common work areas where Material Handling occurs include:
Cash or checkout counter
Storage room shelves
Warehouse racks
Shipping and receiving area
Assembly area
Packing area
Production area
INSTRUCTIONS:
IDENTIFY
AND APPLY
CONTROLS
TO MANAGE
MATERIAL
HANDLING
