Concern details
When
packages
exit
the
cubing
machine,
they
are
sorted
into
cages
for
transport
or
pushed
to
different
areas around
the
facility
to
be
sorted
further.
The
push
force
required
to
move
a
full
cage
ranges
from
16-38
kg
and
7-17 kg
empty.
The
upper
end
of
the
required
push
forces
exceed
the
initial
push
force
guideline
of
23
kg
[1]
and
result
in increased
risk
of
injury.
Countermeasures
Countermeasures
are
required
to
reduce
the
push
force:
Worker:
- Push carts and cages with two hands instead of pulling them.
Company:
- Choose appropriate casters/wheels to reduce push forces and maintain wheels in good condition.
- Design sort process to minimize double handling of boxes during sorting.
- Replace carts and cages with bins to be moved by pallet lift of forklift.
References
- Snook, S.H. and Cirello, V.M. (1991). “The design of manual handling tasks: Revised tables for maximum acceptable weights and forces.” Ergonomics 34(9): 1197-1213.