Alarming estimates reveal that manual material handling accounts for over one-third of all workplace injuries. Improper material handling practices often result in debilitating joint problems, repetitive strain or overexertion injuries, cumulative trauma, and life-altering musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

Besides stress and anxiety, MSDs are the second highest reason for lost workdays in many regions worldwide. An estimated 39 million work days are missed every year to non-fatal accidents or illnesses caused due to work.

After working in the material handling solutions industry for over five decades, Hovair Systems has gained many insights that have helped them develop tools to move heavy loads quickly and safely. Follow this guide by their experts to learn everything you need to know about making material handling safer and more efficient.

What is Material Handling?

Material handling refers to the movement or transportation of a load or object, such as equipment, from one point to another. It could be automated or manual. The former involves the use of automated material handling systems such as the air-powered ergonomic equipment by Hovair Systems.

Meanwhile, manual handling comprises a range of activities requiring physical exertion. These include pushing, twisting, pulling, lifting, bending, and carrying using some type of ‘built force.’

With the rising concerns about employee well-being, more and more businesses are switching to automated heavy load handling systems to prevent workers from exerting force beyond their physical capabilities.

Although machines can be repaired when damaged, the cost of poor material handling can be higher for employers as well as employees. All employers have a duty of care toward employees, leading to hefty and reputation-damaging lawsuits if they’re found to be negligent in the accident that changed the life of the worker.

Then there’s also the additional cost of downtime and labor because of sick days taken as a result of manual handling-related incidents. The impact spreads over to staff morale and productivity, along with stock and equipment losses due to breakages and crushes.

Injuries caused by poor manual handling also cause financial losses for employees. They will need to take time off work resulting in loss of income if they are not entitled to paid sick leaves. The debilitating and painful injuries can also impact their mental and physical health as they experience swelling, pain, sleep problems, and lack of mobility.

Most Common Debilitating Manual Handling Injuries

#1- Back Injury

The back is one of the most sensitive parts of the body when it comes to moving heavy loads manually. According to statistics by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, manual material handling resulted in 44% of the 343,920 reported sprain and strain injuries in the last two years.

Many manual handlers are not trained in proper lifting techniques. Even when mechanical aids are available, moving items that are too heavy for their body or simply using the wrong technique can lead to back injuries such as slipped discs requiring up to two months of recovery time, shared the National Safety Council.

Twisting and overstretching to accommodate harder-to-grip or heavier loads can lead to cruising, inflammation, and pain. However, if you use Hovair’s ergonomic equipment, you can move the most awkwardly shaped and bulky loads quickly and safely without much manual effort.

The loads are lifted on a thin air film, allowing you to move them while enjoying significant time, energy, and money savings, along with many other benefits associated with air bearing moving systems. Book a one-on-one consultation to learn more about our heavy load moving solutions.

#2- Hand Injuries

Lifting, pulling, pushing, and carrying—all of them require the use of hands. If you’re not careful, it could lead to cuts, burns, and scalded skin. Heavier loads or objects with sharp edges can often lead to bruises and broken bones. This is especially true for tasks where multiple people are working together to move uneven, heavy objects.

Grazing loose splinters, using nail guns, removing staples, and fingers getting trapped in between objects can also lead to punctures or crushing injuries. Precautionary measures like using retractable blades instead of sharp cutting tools and wearing cut-resistant blades can also make the task safer.

#3- Musculoskeletal Disorders

MSDs cover a range of painful and debilitating issues in the upper and lower limbs as well as the back. This includes tendons, muscles, nerves, and supporting structures in wrists, arms, neck, shoulders, toes, legs, and hips.

According to the Labour Force Survey estimates, 30% of the 1.7 million workers suffering from work-related illnesses account for musculoskeletal disorders. If you want to minimize these concerns in your facility, invest in state-of-the-art heavy load moving solutions like air bearing modules, air skids, air beams, and other lifting and rigging by Hovair Systems.

#4- Trip, fall, and Slip Injuries

Trailing cables, spillages, and uneven flooring can cause anyone to trip and fall. However, the risk heightens during manual handling operations, resulting in more severe repercussions.

Sometimes obstructions or blocked visibility can lead to accidents. Make sure to always check your shoelaces and assess the environment surrounding the operation to evaluate potential hazards. It’s recommended to use weight management solutions and appropriate load-leveling airbags or material handling equipment every time to enhance safety and efficiency.

#5- Hernias

Hernia refers to an internal body part pushing through the weakness in the muscle or surrounding tissue. Heavy load lifting can cause repetitive strain on the stomach and abdomen, leading to a hernia. The risk heightens as you age, and most hernias require surgery.

Assess the load and ensure it’s under the maximum manual safe working load limit and make sure everyone is trained to follow proper lifting techniques. Alternatively, make heavy load moving operations safer by switching to automated material handling equipment.

Hovair System offers a wide range of sustainable heavy load management solutions at unbelievably cost-effective rates. All their ergonomic equipment is pneumatic, which means you’ll not need any additional power sources to operate them as long as you have a reliable air compressor. And you can also buy top-quality air compressors at their store.

Give them a call if you’re looking for more information on air beams, air skates, air casters, load leveling airbags, and remote-controlled powered air bearing kits or air bearing modules tailored to meet your needs.

Besides top-notch lifting and rigging equipment, Hovair Systems also offers ready-made and customized automobile turntables and industrial turntables. With a deep understanding of how heavy loads should be moved ergonomically, our qualified experts will help you streamline suitable moving systems for heavy loads.

Tap to find all the information you need to order the best heavy load moving solutions for your business!