Ergonomic analysis of material handling at Company XYZ's receiving docks

Abstract

Company XYZ is in the refrigeration manufacturing industry and provides warranties for its products. Supplies and defective warranty parts are transported to company XYZ's receiving docks, where employees segregate and then ship such materials to the appropriate departments. An evaluation of the workplace design as well as worker procedures indicates that the current material handling practices are placing employees at risk of developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs). The purpose of the study was to identify the presence of substandard practices/conditions during the unloading of materials and WRMSDs. Literature reviews included human physiology, WRMDs, ergonomic losses, as well as the risk management process, methodologies, and instrumentation. The data collection process began with subject selection, obtaining each participant's consent, reviewing records, administering surveys, and video taping employees. Following are the results from this research: two back injuries resulted in a total loss of $30,576, employees experienced back, arm, and shoulder discomforts, no safety policies and training for the receiving docks, improper workplace design, RWL was 16.2 pounds and LI was 6.25, R.U.L.A score was 7, and force gauge measurement was 7.94 kg. In conclusion, the combined results from this research indicated that employees at the receiving dock are exposed to WRMSDs. The researcher recommends the implementation of engineering and administrative controls to alleviate the hazards.