Usability of manual handling aids for transporting materials

Manual transport aids (trucks and trolleys) are in widespread use throughout most industries, but their use does not always result in the anticipated reduction of workload or musculoskeletal stress. A survey of users has shown that many of the aids currently used are poorly designed or inappropriate for the tasks performed. The information gained during the survey has been analysed to identify the most important design features and to provide guidance for their selection and evaluation, in order to ensure that aids are suitable for the tasks for which they are used and that they are effective and safe. It is clear that the first stage in establishing design criteria and guidelines should be developing an understanding of the task requirements and environmental conditions under which materials have to be transported in industry.