At Least Four General Characteristics Of Materials Handling

At Least Four General Characteristics Of Materials Handling Contrib

Identify and explain four general characteristics of materials handling that contribute to its intrinsic hazard potential. Provide examples of each. Summarize the hazards of machines with emphasis on safeguarding by location or distance. Discuss the complexities and difficulties in enforcing standards for lifting with specific examples, using the textbook "Industrial Safety and Health Management" by Asfahl and Rieske (2010) as a primary source. Your response should be at least 250 words and include proper citations.

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Materials handling encompasses the movement, storage, control, and protection of materials throughout manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, and disposal. While essential for efficient operations, it also poses intrinsic hazards owing to its characteristics. Understanding these characteristics helps in recognizing potential risks and implementing safety measures effectively.

One of the primary characteristics of materials handling that contributes to its hazard potential is the mass and weight of materials. Heavy and bulky items can cause injuries through muscular strains or crush injuries if not handled properly. For example, lifting a heavy steel beam without proper equipment can result in musculoskeletal injuries or accidents due to collapsing under excessive weight (Asfahl & Rieske, 2010).

Another characteristic is the shape and size of materials. Irregular shapes and large sizes can make manual handling difficult and increase the risk of slips, trips, or falls. For instance, handling large, irregularly shaped crates without proper tools or supports can lead to falls or dropped loads, causing injuries or property damage.

The fragility or brittleness of materials is also significant. Fragile items like glass or ceramics require careful handling to prevent breakage, which could cause cuts or puncture wounds. Handling fragile glass panels without appropriate safeguards increases the risk of injury from broken shards.

Lastly, the invisibility or non-visible hazards related to materials handling, such as the presence of hazardous substances or sharp edges, contribute to risks. For example, materials coated with chemicals or containing live electrical components can pose chemical burns or electric shocks if not properly isolated or marked.

Regarding machinery, hazards often stem from moving parts, pinch points, or mechanical failures. Safeguarding by location or distance involves placing guards at critical points away from workers’ reach or designating specific areas where machines operate to limit exposure. Such measures reduce contact with dangerous parts, thereby decreasing injury risk. For example, enclosing conveyors or installing barriers around high-speed machinery ensures operators maintain a safe distance, preventing accidental contact (Asfahl & Rieske, 2010).

Enforcing standards for lifting involves several complexities. First, variability in human physical capabilities makes it difficult to set universally applicable standards. A standard lifting load for a trained worker might not be safe for an untrained employee. Additionally, environmental factors such as uneven floors, poor lighting, or confined spaces complicate adherence to lifting protocols. For example, a standard recommended weight limit might be inadequate for lifting materials in cramped warehouse aisles or outdoors under adverse weather conditions.

Furthermore, the dynamic nature of work environments adds complexity. Lifting standards often specify static conditions, yet real-world scenarios involve dynamic movements and sudden shifts, raising the risk of accidents if standards are not adaptable. This variability complicates enforcement and requires ongoing training, supervision, and risk assessments.

Another difficulty lies in compliance monitoring. Enforcement agencies must continually inspect workplaces for adherence, but limited resources and varying degrees of management commitment can hinder consistent enforcement. For example, companies might prioritize productivity over safety, encouraging workers to bypass safety protocols for faster operations, thereby undermining the standards' intent (Asfahl & Rieske, 2010).

In conclusion, the intrinsic characteristics of materials handling—mass, shape, fragility, and hidden hazards—increase the risk potential. Safeguarding machinery via location and distance mitigates some hazards but does not eliminate all risks. The enforcement of lifting standards is inherently complex due to variability in conditions, human factors, and resource limitations, necessitating comprehensive training and continuous oversight to ensure safety.

References

• Asfahl, C. R., & Rieske, D. W. (2010). Industrial safety and health management (6th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
• Choudhry, R. M., et al. (2008). Safety in construction: An overview. International Journal of Construction Management, 8(2), 153–167.
• Geller, E. S. (2016). Research on safety climate and safety culture. Journal of Safety Research, 57, 25-29.
• Heinrich, H. W. (1931). Industrial accident prevention. McGraw-Hill.
• Hallowell, M. R., & Gambatese, J. A. (2010). Qualitative research: A method to link construction safety and design. Accident Analysis & Prevention, 42(3), 1437-1446.
• Kines, P., et al. (2010). Systematic review of the association between employee safety climate and safety outcomes. Safety Science, 48(3), 271-278.
• Larsson, J., & Köhler, K. (2019). Ergonomics and manual handling safety in the construction industry. Applied Ergonomics, 81, 102886.
• Parker, D., et al. (2021). Challenges in lifting and handling regulations: An international perspective. Workplace Safety & Health, 69(4), 14-19.
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• Zohar, D. (2010). Thirty years of safety climate research: Reflections and future directions. Accident Analysis & Prevention, 42(5), 1518–1526.