Ergonomics of Material Handling Devices - Essay Example

The conveyors also can move the bottles over fixed distances. While the initial costs of installing the conveyor systems are high, this is countered in respect of the fact that they are used to transport high volumes of materials (bottles) within the processing plant. Given that the bottles that are conveyed have rigid surfaces, the conveyors are most appropriate also considering the fixed distances that they cover.

In the company, a crane is used to transport materials over a restricted area. In our organization, the crane is used to lift heavy materials such as metal blocks that are used in the maintenance of various process machines. The crane is controlled by one person stationed in an enclosure. The crane is applicable in its current setting considering that the flow of materials is low and often intermittent (Raouf, 1995). A conveyor would not be applicable in such a setting. Also, the crane is beneficial in that it offers greater flexibility in respect of material movement. The loads that are handled by the crane come in different shapes, weights, and sizes.

In the bottling plant, industrial trucks are used to carry pallets that contain empty or filled bottle crates. The trucks transport the materials from the shop floor to the warehouse or store. They are also used to load crates on trucks ready for distribution. The trucks are driven by individual drivers who have to control their movements. Industrial trucks are beneficial in that they can transport materials over variable distances. They are more flexible in terms of affecting materials movement compared to conveyors and cranes as noted by Raouf (1995). The materials can be raised or lowered in terms of height as desired, which means that they are very versatile. Also, they are applied where it would be impractical to install conveyors owing to the intermittence of work.

Considering that the conveyors used in the company transport a lot of materials, there is a need to institute their automation as suggested by Stephanidis (2011). This will save workers the hassle of switching the conveyors on and off and changing their speeds depending on various factors. The conveyors can be automated using programmable logic controllers and various sensing devices. The automation of the conveyors will make workers have an easier time when performing various tasks. The measure will potentially see a reduction in musculoskeletal disorders or injuries that may be caused by a lack of concentration and movement of the hands when controlling the conveyors.