cHECKPOINT 13
Eliminate or minimize height differences when moving
materials manually.
WHY
Manual transport of materials and farm products takes
time and energy, and often results in damage. Accidents
can occur when loads are dropped, or when the farmer
carrying them falls or stumbles. These problems can
be much reduced by minimizing lifting and lowering
movements.
By avoiding lifting and lowering of loads, you can
reduce fatigue and minimize product damage.
Lifting heavy loads is one of the most strenuous
types of work, and a major cause of back injury. By
avoiding lifting movements, you can also reduce the risk
of injury.
HOW
1. When moving materials or farm products from
one work area to another, move them at the same
working height, for example move them between
work surfaces at the same level.
2. Place materials or farm products on work-stands or
platforms to reduce height differences when moving
them.
3. Use transport vehicles or mobile racks with which
you can move materials or products without
changing the height. For example, use rollers or
trolleys that are of the same height as the work
tables.
4. Match the height of the vehicle bed to that of the
loading area, so that loading and unloading can be
done with minimum height differences.
WAYS TO PROMOTE COOPERATION
Try to organize the transport of heavy materials or
products jointly. Seek ways to move or carry them at the
same level as much as possible. This is also useful when
loading to or unloading from vehicles, or when packing
products.
Purchase mechanical lifting devices for which the
height for moving materials can be adjusted. Examples
include lift trucks, rollers and conveyors.
SOME MORE HINTS
— When moving materials or farm products between
different platforms or work tables, place these
platforms or tables close to each other; it is then
easier to move the objects at the same height.
— Lift trucks, rollers and conveyors need good
maintenance. Check all parts at regular intervals.
— If large items are placed at ground level, use a
yoke, sack or low-level pallet trolley to carry them
with minimum elevation.
POINTS TO REMEMBER
Move materials or farm products at working height.
Use mechanical devices to raise or lower them to the
working height.