Adding Handles to Optimize Manual Box Handling

Area of Science:

• Ergonomics and Occupational Health
• Biomechanics of Manual Handling

Background:

• Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a significant risk in material handling.
• Modifying boxes with handles is a proposed risk control strategy.
• Clear recommendations for box modification to improve musculoskeletal health are lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the literature on the effects of box modification with handles on physical load during material handling.
• To identify effective features of box handles for reducing physical exposure.

Main Methods:

• Conducted comprehensive electronic and manual literature searches.
• Included studies evaluating the impact of box handles on physical exposure during handling tasks.
• Acknowledged heterogeneity in assessment methods, handle types, and study quality.

Main Results:

• Despite study heterogeneity, specific handle features showed positive effects.
• Cylindrical handles with diameters between 31-51 mm and 30° inclination improved physical exposure.
• Regular cut-outs are beneficial for handling at high surfaces; top handles are better for medium or floor-level handling.

Conclusions:

• Box modification with specific handle designs can reduce physical load in material handling.
• Cylindrical handles (31-51 mm diameter, 30° inclination) and cut-outs are recommended features.
• Standardizing assessment methods is crucial for future research on box handle design and validity.