8 Go beyond the traditional workspace - Mobile ergonomics with Treston carts 1. Hoozemans Marco, Kuijer P, Kingma I, van Dieën J, de Vries W, van Der Woude L, Veeger D, van Der Beek A, Frings-Dresen M. 2004. Mechanical loading of the low back and shoulders during pushing and pulling activities. Ergonomics, 15 January 2004, Vol. 47(1), pp.1-18. 2. https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ergonomics/mmh/mmhintro.html 3. Argubi-Wollesen A, Wollesen B, Leitner M, Mattes K. 2017. Human Body Mechanics of Pushing and Pulling: Analyzing the Factors of Task-related Strain on the Musculoskeletal System. Safety and Health at Work, March 2017, Vol. 8(1), pp.11-18. 4. Nimbarte A, Sun Y, Jaridi M, Hsiao H. Biomechanical loading of the shoulder complex and lumbosacral joints during dynamic cart pushing task. Applied Ergonomics, September 2013, Vol. 44(5), pp.841-849. 5. https://osha.europa.eu/en/publications/factsheet-73-hazards-and-risks-associated-manual-handling-loads-workplace/view 6. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Ergonomic Guidelines for Manual Material Handling. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2007-131/ pdfs/2007-131.pdf Sources Task experience is the key to reducing strain Task experience and correct working technique in pushing and pulling play an important role in reducing some measures of biomechanical strain and therefore yield potential for reducing the risk of injury. (3) For example, pulling a lighter weight cart at hip height, with arms outstretched, would result in very high compressive force at the lower back, as opposed to pushing a much heavier cart between shoulder and elbow height, arms closer to body, which results in much less of a compressive force at the lower back. (1) As a reference, see the illustration on the power zones where people have the greatest strength and most comfort. If your goal is to ensure efficient processes and ergonomic working conditions, start by selecting the correct type of cart for the task and then orientating all workers with the physical aspects and best working techniques for the specific task at hand. No matter how fancy the features of your cart, if your workers use bad techniques while performing their tasks with the cart, you are sure to increase the risk of injuries and create inefficiency in processes. If necessary, modify work practices so that workers can perform their tasks and work within their power zone. Although there is no exact weight limit that is safe, a weight of 44–55 lbs is heavy to lift for most people and it thus increases the risk of back injury. (5)
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