Industrial Ergonomics: Materials Handling Devices - Essay Example

While wheelbarrows can be found in many organizations—especially agricultural ones--, they are also a mainstay on farms and, to a lesser extent, in urban homes. They are great for transporting fertilizer and topsoil to gardens, flower beds, and lawns that would be too strenuous and time-consuming to move otherwise. Since they are not powered, unlike a lawnmower, for example, there is no fear of getting fingers caught in the blades. Nonetheless, they must, among other things be handled in such a manner as to avoid back injuries and the effects of having overextended oneself.

The two-wheeled utility trucks can easily move heavy loads way beyond any individual’s capability to do so without such a device. It, like the wheelbarrow, must however first be loaded before anything can be moved, and often that involves very heavy items. The two-wheeled utility truck is often used to transport heavy boxes of supplies and caution should be exercised to prevent lifting and over-exertion injuries.

The conveyor belt is in many industries the assembly line that has increased productivity while allowing employees to remain stationary and not hunt for and carry necessary materials. CICMHE identifies 19 types of conveyors (monorails, bucket conveyors, tow conveyors, etc.). Read More