Even in today's highly automated environment, nearly every business still faces the challenge of managing risk associated with manual material handling operations. Lifting, pushing, pulling and reaching remain a part of most job description and the consequent strains and sprains remain a prevalent injury type noted on our 300 logs. This roundtable will review the challenges presented by manual material handling (MMH) tasks and operations as well as practical tools for assessing risk and determining appropriate control strategies. Participants will learn about the prevalence and impact of MMH-related injuries from an occupational health and business perspective, the science behind key assessment tools and the application of these tools within a variety of business settings. Two case studies will be presented that will outline successful implementation plans.
• Business Challenges of Manual Material Handling Operations from an Occupational Health Perspective. R. Donze, The Chester County Hospital, West Chester, PA.
• Assessment Tools for Determining Risk within Manual Material Handling Tasks and Operations. A. Garg, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI.
• MMH: A Continuing Challenge for Industry. S.L. Gibson, Ergonomics Applications, Duncan, SC.
• Implementing a Successful Ergonomics Program within a Unionized Environment: The Value of Collaboration and Team Building. D.M. Eherts, Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, CT.
• A One Million Dollar Budget for Ergonomic Improvements - Let's Spend It Wisely. D.T. Ridyard, Applied Ergonomics Technology, Jenkintown, PA.