When handling materials, a variety of tasks may be involved, including using a crane to lift tons of steel, driving a truck full of concrete blocks, carrying bags or supplies by hand, stacking palletized bricks, or moving other objects like drums, barrels, kegs, and timber.

Operations related to material handling ensure that materials are always available when needed by providing a constant flow of parts and assemblies through the work area. Sadly, careless handling of materials frequently leads to expensive injuries.

Employees may guarantee that cranes are appropriately operated and lower the risk of accidents by adhering to certain best practices. These are a few of the typical dangers connected to material handling:

• Falling objects and collapsing weights that could trample workers or pinch them
• Back injuries resulting from inefficient lifting methods
• Risks from equipment or materials impact
• Material handling accidents involving catches or pinch points
• Inventory and racking system damage
• Injuries brought on by improperly severing connections or fastening devices

Industrial safety experts at Kor Pak advise that workers must understand the potential risks connected with material handling and the controls to put in place to limit the risk, whether moving goods manually or automatically.

Safe crane operation

It is crucial for employees who use cranes to adhere to the correct safety procedures to avoid mishaps and injuries. The following are some top crane safety tips:

Carrying out pre-operation inspections

Workers should properly check a crane before using it to look for any obvious damage or flaws. This can involve looking for worn-out or cracked tires, loose or missing bolts, broken cables or hoses, and loose or missing nuts.

Maintaining correct load capacity

Workers must never overload a crane because doing so could cause it to topple over or break.

Using the proper rigging methods

Effective rigging can stop loads from falling or shifting while they are in use. Employees must ensure the cargo is firmly fastened to the crane and the rigging apparatus is in good condition.

Being aware of the environment

Staff members should always be conscious of their surroundings when operating a crane. This can involve keeping clear of overhanging power lines and keeping an eye out for nearby employees.

Safe material handling

• When handling materials manually, exercise caution. Remember to bend at the knees rather than the waist if lifting is necessary to move a burden. To ease back strain, stack bulkier items and supplies that will be handled manually on lower or mid-level shelves.
• Seek assistance when carrying loads that are too heavy to be gripped safely, when you can’t see around or above a load, or when you can’t handle a load safely on your own to avoid damage from trying to lift big goods.
• Be careful not to release the load before removing your hands below it when placing blocks beneath a rising weight.
• Avoid potential laceration and puncture threats when loading or unloading crates or cartons. Look for protrusions like metal banding or straps, splintered wood, fractured boards, nails, screws, and staples.

The takeaway

Always wear protective gear when handling material or operating weight-lifting machines like cranes.