|  | Public Health Safety | Ergonomics

Ergonomic Issues in Shipping and Receiving

Chief ergonomic problems that may arise from workers in shipping and receiving departments are work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Sometimes called repetitive motion injuries, WSMD are those that affect the body's soft tissue structures. WSMD may occur rapidly or take years to develop. Loading docks, sorting on conveyors, and manual lifting and handling contribute to the greatest number of WSMD in warehouse environments, according to the Whole Building Design Guide. These injuries may appear in the neck, back or upper limbs, depending upon the exact tasks a person performs.

  1. Standing

    • Remaining in a rigid standing position for extended working hours may lead to sore feet, low back pain and stiffness in the neck and shoulders. Such complaints are common among those who stand during work, including people in shipping and receiving. An article posted by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety explains how a person's body is influenced by his or her work area and the tasks performed. Such factors as the placement of controls and the extent of repetitive body motion can make it difficult for workers to rest their muscles. In turn, blood supply to these muscles decreases, which can accelerate the onset of fatigue and cause pain in the muscles used to maintain an upright position. Prolonged standing can also cause blood to pool in the legs and feet, resulting in vein inflammation and locked joints.

    Lifting and Bending

    • Employees often perform lifting and bending activities to sort packages and fabricate shipping crates. Such motion can require excessive force, which contracts muscles to their maximum ability. Damage to the muscles and supporting tissues may ensue without adequate rest between these activities. Heavy lifting can also strain a worker's back and place the employee at risk of injury. Bending at the torso to place packages on pallets or in empty crates also places strain on the lower back. Such an awkward posture may put an employee at risk for developing WMSD by causing inflammation and increasing pressure on nerves.

    Awkward Posture of Wrists

    • Tendonitis, an inflammation of the tendons, results from overuse or awkward positioning of the wrists or shoulders. Without rest and sufficient time to heal, the tendon can become calcified and permanently damaged. In shipping and receiving departments, the awkward positioning of the wrists for lifting, packaging and carrying may lead to tendonitis. Additional risk factors for tendonitis include repetitive tasks, and assembling and holding hand tools.

    Pushing and Pulling

    • Shipping and receiving departments are likely to require employees to push and pull packages using manual carts and trucks, to slide packages across flat surfaces and to wrap or enclose objects in packaging materials. Such common activities are the cause of many injuries. Examples include back sprains and falls, and injuries to fingers, hands, feet or legs when pinched between objects. Situations to avoid are those in which the pushing or pulling occurs with hands above the shoulders or below the waist. It's best to avoid exerting force for more than five seconds or at an angle other than in front of the body.

Ergonomics - Related Articles