Wednesday, November 26, 2014

NIOSH Publication Highlights Solutions to Prevent Manual Material Handling Injuries for Retail Workers

 ©Istockphoto.com/Minerva Studio
NIOSH has released a new publication to highlight how retail workers can reduce strains and sprains when moving materials from the delivery truck to the sales floor. Designed for retailers and safety experts, Ergonomic Solutions for Retailers uses illustrations to show how and where retail employees would use mechanical assist devices to lift, push or pull heavy materials— tasks that can sometimes lead to musculoskeletal injuries.

According to the agency, manual material handling injuries account for 60% of the injuries and lost work in retail. While this publication focuses on the grocery sector, it may be adapted to other working situations including those work in warehouse and storage facilities. The technology presented may also support a retailer’s growing internet sales that depend on moving large quantities of merchandise often with fewer employees.

Click here for more information.