Manual Material Handling Ergonomics

Manual material handling (MMH) work contributes to a large percentage of the over half a million cases of musculoskeletal disorders reported annually in the United States. Manual handling refers to any activity requiring the use of force by a person to lift, lower, push, pull, hold, or restrain any animate or inanimate object. Manual handling may expose employees to physical conditions that can lead to cumulative trauma disorders or repetitive stress injuries.

Tips

• Examine the load.
• Plan the lift.
• Wear appropriate clothing and shoes.
• Stretch.
• Use mechanical lifting devices.
• Use multiple people if mechanical lifting devices are not available.

Resources 

• OSHA Ergonomics
• Ergonomic Guidlines for Manual Material Handling [PDF]