Making sure the MHE fits the worker
 When selecting material-handling equipment (MHE), you should use a system’s approach to ensure safety, productivity, and efficiency. This involves considering the interaction between the five key elements of the workplace system: the equipment, the task, the organizational management, the environment, and the worker.
In this article, we look at how you should select MHE, considering the worker(s) who will be using it.
Considerations
Individual worker characteristics — including physical capabilities (e.g., strength), stature, age, gender, experience, and knowledge — all need to be considered when selecting MHE. The MHE should be designed to support neutral postures and minimize excessive reaching, bending, or awkward body positions.
Before purchasing MHE, talk to workers and your joint health and safety committee about their concerns and possible solutions. Then, consider some of the factors below to ensure your equipment can accommodate a wide range of users:
- Strength and physical capabilities: Select MHE with low rolling resistance and appropriate wheel design to minimize the force required for pushing/pulling, manoeuvering, and stopping.
- Anthropometry (body size and dimensions): Select equipment with handle heights, widths, and dimensions that accommodate the range of workers who will use it. Multiple handle locations or a vertical handle design can help accommodate differences in worker heights and promote comfortable, neutral postures of the upper limbs (shoulder, elbows, wrists/hands).
- Grip strength: Provide handles where possible with an appropriate size, location, shape, and surface to support a secure, comfortable grip.
- Vision: Ensure cart and load height do not obstruct the worker’s view of the travel path.
Read the rest of the series
For a deeper dive, check out the rest of the articles in this series:
To learn more
Visit worksafebc.com/ergonomics for more or check out these other resources:
We’re here to help
If you have questions about ergonomics or human factors, please contact us at HumanFactors@worksafebc.com.
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