Accident/Injury Problem

• Material handling is often considered the most serious safety problem in the nation.
• Manual handling accidents consistently account for at least 1/3 of all mining accidents.

Manual Handling of Materials

• Obtain help (human or mechanical) and/or split heavy loads if possible.
• Use wide stance and bend your knees (but not deeply). Keep load close.
• Keep back straight and as vertical as you can. Lift slowly with leg power.
• Avoid bending over with knees straight and lifting with upper torso.
• Also avoid twisting, jerky movement, and reaching out with load.
• Maintain good posture when standing, walking, sitting, or driving.
• Take breaks/change position often when standing, sitting, or driving.
• Lean on something and/or prop up a foot when standing.
• Consider back exercises to improve strength and flexibility.

Mechanical Handling of Materials

• Inspect forklifts at beginning of each shift. If damaged/defective, remove from service until repaired.
• Watch for potential struck-by and crushed-by dangers.
• Keep forklift loads low when traveling. Keep speed low, and keep load uphill on grades.
• Maintain safety equipment. Don’t make unauthorized modifications or exceed capacity.
• At loading docks place an appropriate dock plate; be sure brakes are set, wheels chocked and/or dock lock in use; inspect floor of trailer; and place a jack stand under "nose" of trailer if it could tip.
• Inspect hoists frequently and thoroughly, and abide by load limits.

Stacking and Storage

• Practice good housekeeping, and keep aisles, passageways, and work areas clear.
• Secure stacks by limiting height, stepping back layers, interlocking rows, cross-keying, banding, cross-ties, shrink wrap, flat material between tiers, blocking, chocking, and using racks.
• Follow fire safety precautions in storage.