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NIOSH Publication No. 97-117:

Elements of Ergonomics Programs

A Primer Based on Workplace Evaluations of Musculoskeletal Disorders

March 1997

 

Toolbox Tray 5–F: Materials Handling Checklist


Tray 5-F. Materials Handling Checklist
"No" responses indicate potential problem areas which should receive further investigation.

1. Are the weights of loads to be lifted judged acceptable by the workforce?
[ ]yes
[ ]no
2. Are materials moved over minimum distances?
[ ]yes
[ ]no
3. Is the distance between the object load and the body minimized?
[ ]yes
[ ]no
4. Are walking surfaces
        level?
[ ]yes
[ ]no
        wide enough?
[ ]yes
[ ]no
        clean and dry?
[ ]yes
[ ]no
5. Are objects
        easy to grasp?
[ ]yes
[ ]no
        stable?
[ ]yes
[ ]no
        able to be held without slipping?
[ ]yes
[ ]no
6. Are there handholds on these objects?
[ ]yes
[ ]no
7. When required, do gloves fit properly?
[ ]yes
[ ]no
8. Is the proper footwear worn?
[ ]yes
[ ]no
9. Is there enough room to maneuver?
[ ]yes
[ ]no
10. Are mechanical aids used whenever possible?
[ ]yes
[ ]no
11. Are working surfaces adjustable to the best handling heights?
[ ]yes
[ ]no
12. Does material handling avoid
[ ]yes
[ ]no
        movements below knuckle height and above shoulder height?
[ ]yes
[ ]no
        static muscle loading?
[ ]yes
[ ]no
        sudden movements during handling?
[ ]yes
[ ]no
        twisting at the waist?
[ ]yes
[ ]no
        extended reaching?
[ ]yes
[ ]no
13. Is help available for heavy or awkward lifts?
[ ]yes
[ ]no
14. Are high rates of repetition avoided by
        job rotation?
[ ]yes
[ ]no
        self-pacing?
[ ]yes
[ ]no
        sufficient pauses?
[ ]yes
[ ]no
15. Are pushing or pulling forces reduced or eliminated?
[ ]yes
[ ]no
16. Does the employee have an unobstructed view of handling the task?
[ ]yes
[ ]no
17. Is there a preventive maintenance program for equipment?
[ ]yes
[ ]no
18. Are workers trained in correct handling and lifting procedures?
[ ]yes
[ ]no

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

< Tray 4   |   Table of Contents    |   Tray 5-G    |   Tray 6 >

COver of NIOSH Publication Number 97-117