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Identifying ergonomics practices currently used by grocery distribution centers
Steven A Lavender1, Carolyn M Sommerich2, Anas Kachlan2
1Integrated Systems Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Orthopaedics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
Applied Ergonomics
|December 9, 2024
Summary
Grocery warehouse workers face high musculoskeletal disorder rates from repetitive lifting. This study identified 44 ergonomics practices in US distribution centers to mitigate these risks and improve worker safety.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Ergonomics
- Supply Chain Management
Background:
- Grocery warehouse workers experience a high incidence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
- Repetitive lifting during product selection and palletizing are primary contributors to MSDs in this sector.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and describe ergonomics practices implemented in US grocery distribution centers.
- To explore potential solutions for reducing MSDs among warehouse personnel.
Main Methods:
- Interviews were conducted with 97 management personnel across 30 grocery distribution centers.
- Data were collected on 44 identified ergonomics practices, covering facility setup, computer systems, tools, and operational procedures.
Main Results:
- Forty-four distinct ergonomics practices were identified, categorized into facility design, computer management systems, order selector tools, full-case picking, organizational strategies, and piece-picking hazard reduction.
- Implementation data were gathered for each identified practice.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive set of 44 ergonomics practices can be implemented in grocery distribution centers.
- These practices offer a framework for reducing ergonomic hazards and mitigating MSDs in warehouse environments.
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