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Packout - General
Task 3: Scale Operator
A scale operator
pulls filled boxes from a conveyor and places them onto scales. The
operator then adds or removes product until the desired weight is achieved.
This employee usually affixes a label showing the box weight before placing the weighed box back on the conveyor.
Hazards of this task may include:
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Lifting heavy loads
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Hazardous Situation:
Employees may experience back strain
from reaching, twisting, and bending if the task requires them to
lift boxes, which may weigh 40-80 pounds, from the conveyor to the scales.
Possible Solutions:
- Whenever
possible, replace manual operations with automated operations.
For example, install conveyors to transport boxes to scales.
- Reduce
the amount of weight to be lifted. If containers must be lifted by employees,
reduce the amount each container weighs.
- Establish
a workplace ergonomic program that teaches employees to avoid using awkward
postures such as twisting and bending while lifting.
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Provide mechanical lifting devices if boxes
must be lifted from the conveyor to a scale.
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Incorporate scales into the conveyor so boxes do not need to be lifted.
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Standing for a long time |
Hazardous Situation:
Standing for a long time
reduces blood flow to the legs, forces isolated muscles to work for
an extended time, and increases risk of fatigue and varicose veins.
Possible Solutions:
- Install
sit/stand stools, which allow
employees to lean and have their weight supported while still remaining in an upright
posture.
- Rotate
employee to tasks that do not require prolonged standing.
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Provide
shoe insoles that cushion the feet and spread foot pressure over a larger surface.
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Provide a foot rest
in front of employees so they can shift their posture.
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