Material Handling Information - Workers in Hostile Environments

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Material Handling Information - Workers in Hostile Environments

Ergonomics

Workers in Hostile Environments

An automated unit load buffer stores pallets in a -10º F freezer at Keystone Foods.

Automated storage, sortation, and transport systems at Excel eliminate the need for labor-intensive material handling in the refrigerated warehouse.

Problem

Material is stored in refrigerated or freezer environments.
Manufacturing processes generate excessive heat, noise, and/or particulates.
Workers must handle hazardous materials.
Workers must handle heavy loads.
Excessive forklift truck traffic creates a hazardous work area.
Companies must meet stringent OSHA requirements for worker safety.

Solution

Separate hostile material storage environments from processing or picking workstations.
Use automated material handling systems such as mini load, unit load, or high-speed box buffers to get workers out of hostile environments, deliver heavy items directly to workers.
Use automated transport systems such as Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGV), Sorting Transfer Vehicles (STV), conveyors, and overhead monorails to transport materials out of hostile environments, reduce forklift truck traffic, and/or eliminate manual handling of hazardous materials.

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