Material Handling & Storage Safety

For an effective materials handling and storage program, managers must take an active role in its development. First-line supervisors must be convinced of the importance of controlling hazards associated with materials handling and storing and must be held accountable for employee material handling safety training. Safe lifting is only one aspect of material handling; transporting the load safely is the other. How you move or carry and put down the load is just as important as how you pick it up.

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Material Handling

Safe lifting and material handling means keeping your back aligned and balanced when lifting. Most standard loads under 25 pounds can be lifted and carried safely by following these steps. You begin by bending from the knees (not the waist), tucking your pelvis and tightening your stomach muscles. You then hug the load close to you, and gradually lift yourself up using the strong muscles in your legs. When carrying the object, be sure not to twist or bend. Then, bend at the knees and slowly slide the load down your body until you can comfortably put the load down.

Mechanical Aids

Not all material can (or should) be manually lifted. Carts, bins, hand trucks, dollies, and fork lifts are all mechanical aids that can help transport a load without putting undue strain on your back. Pushcarts and bins can be useful for light, awkward material handling tasks, while hand trucks and forklifts can help move heavier, stackable material. When using mechanical aids for material handling, be sure that the load is secured in place before moving, and be sure to push the device rather than pulling it.

When manually moving materials, you should seek help when a load is so bulky it cannot be properly grasped or lifted, when they cannot see around or over it, or when a load cannot be safely handled. Workers also should use appropriate protective equipment as necessary to help reduce accident potential. For loads with sharp or rough edges, wear gloves or other hand and forearm protection. To avoid injuries to the hands and eyes, use gloves and eye protection. When the loads are heavy or bulky, the mover should also wear steel-toed safety shoes or boots to prevent foot injuries if the worker slips or accidentally drops a load. 

When mechanically moving materials, avoid overloading the equipment by letting the weight, size, and shape of the material being moved dictate the type of equipment used for transporting it. All materials handling equipment has rated capacities that determine the maximum weight the equipment can safely handle and the conditions under which it can handle those weights.

All stacked loads must be correctly piled and cross-tiered, where possible. Precautions also should be taken when stacking and storing material. Stored materials must not create a hazard. Storage areas must be kept free from accumulated materials that may cause tripping, fires, or explosions, or that may contribute to the harboring of rats and other pests. When stacking and piling materials, it's important to be aware of such factors as the materials' height and weight, how accessible the stored materials are to the user, and the condition of the containers where the materials are being stored.