28 May Material Handling Safety

Material Handling Safety

Material handling safety is an important part of every jobsite because materials must often be received, moved, lifted, stored, and transported throughout the work area. Improper material handling can result in strains and sprains, crushed hands or feet, struck-by injuries, falls, and collapsing materials.

Plan the work before moving or storing materials. Know what you are handling, where it needs to go, and whether mechanical equipment or assistance from another worker is needed.

Material Storage

Materials must be stored so they remain stable, secure, and do not create hazards.

• Verify that floors, platforms, and storage areas can safely support the intended load.
• Stack, rack, block, interlock, or otherwise secure materials to prevent sliding, falling, or collapse.
• Keep aisles, passageways, exits, stairways, and access to emergency equipment clear.
• Do not allow stored materials to create trip or struck-by hazards.
• Keep materials away from floor openings and edges where they could fall to a lower level.
• Keep materials back from exterior building edges as required for the work being performed.
• Store incompatible materials separately. For example, flammable liquids should not be stored with combustible materials unless appropriate storage requirements are met.
• Secure pipe, conduit, lumber, and other materials that could roll or shift.
• Remove protruding nails or other sharp hazards from scrap lumber before handling or disposal.
• Maintain good housekeeping in material storage areas.

Proper Lifting and Handling

Before manually lifting an object, evaluate the load and your ability to safely handle it.

• Know your individual lifting capabilities and do not attempt a load that is too heavy or awkward.
• Test or determine the approximate weight and stability of the load before lifting.
• Use carts, dollies, forklifts, hoists, or other mechanical assistance whenever practical.
• Get help from another worker when a load cannot be safely handled alone.
• Establish firm footing before lifting.
• Keep the load close to your body.
• Bend at the knees and hips and use your legs to perform the lift.
• Avoid twisting your body while lifting or carrying. Move your feet to change direction.
• Avoid excessive reaching or lifting above shoulder height whenever possible.
• Make sure you can see where you are walking while carrying a load.
• Inspect the travel path before moving the material and remove obstacles or other hazards.
• Protect hands and feet from pinch points when setting materials down.

Mechanical Material Handling

Mechanical equipment can reduce manual lifting but introduces additional hazards.

• Only trained and authorized employees may operate powered material-handling equipment.
• Never exceed the rated capacity of forklifts, hoists, slings, carts, or other equipment.
• Inspect material-handling equipment before use.
• Secure loads against shifting, falling, or tipping.
• Keep employees away from suspended loads.
• Never place any part of your body beneath a suspended load.
• Maintain communication between equipment operators, signal persons, and workers in the area.
• Keep pedestrians separated from moving equipment whenever practical.

Remember

There is a place for everything, and materials should be kept in their proper place. Plan each lift, use mechanical assistance when practical, ask for help when necessary, and store materials so they cannot fall, shift, roll, or obstruct the work area.