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Effects of box features on spine loading during warehouse order selecting
W S Marras1, K P Granata, K G Davis
1Biodynamics Laboratory, Ohio State University, Columbus 43210, USA.
Ergonomics
|July 29, 1999
Summary
Lifting boxes from lower pallet levels significantly increases spine loading for order selectors. Box handles reduce spinal load, but box size has minimal impact.
Area of Science:
- Occupational biomechanics
- Ergonomics in logistics
Background:
- Low back disorders are a significant risk in distribution centers.
- Order selectors manually lift boxes, posing ergonomic challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how box features and location affect spine loading during lifting tasks.
- To identify key factors influencing spinal loads for warehouse workers.
Main Methods:
- EMG-assisted biomechanical modeling was used.
- Ten experienced warehouse workers performed lifting tasks with varied box parameters (size, weight, handles) and locations.
- Spine compression, lateral shear, and anterior-posterior shear forces were assessed.
Main Results:
- Box location on the pallet, particularly lower levels, had the most significant impact on spine loading.
- Handles reduced spinal load equivalent to a 4.5 kg weight reduction.
- Box size did not significantly affect spine loading.
- Box weight's effect was dependent on its position.
Conclusions:
- Pallet location is the primary determinant of spine loading during box lifting.
- Implementing handles can mitigate ergonomic risks.
- Strategies to control box placement are crucial for reducing low back injuries in warehouses.