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Mining Publication: The Effects of Operator Position, Pallet Orientation, and Palletizing Condition on Low Back Loads in Manual Bag Palletizing Operations
Keywords: Back Bagging Musculoskeletal disorders Pallets
Original creation date: May 2015
Authors: S Gallagher, J Heberger
Peer Reviewed Journal Article - May 2015
Download PDF Document (0.97 MB)
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20046015
Int J Ind Ergon 2015 May; 47(3):84-92
Many mining commodities are packaged and shipped using bags. Small bags are typically loaded onto pallets for transport and require a significant amount of manual handling by workers. This specific task of manual bag handling has been associated with the development of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), especially low back disorders. This study evaluates the biomechanical demands of different work layouts when performing manual palletizing of small bags, and evaluates the biomechanical stresses associated with different stacking techniques. Results indicate that peak forward bending moments as well as spinal compression and shear forces are higher when the pallet is situated at the side of the conveyor as opposed to the end of the conveyor. At low levels of the pallet, controlled bag placement results in higher peak forward bending moments than stacking at higher levels and when dropping the bag to lower levels. The results of this study will be used to inform the development of an audit tool for bagging operations in the mining industry. Relevance to industry: In many cases for workers loading small bags, compression forces exceed the NIOSH criterion of 3400 N. Orientation of the pallet has a significant impact on spinal compression, and positioning the pallet at the end of the conveyor reduces the estimated compressive loading on the lumbar spine by approximately 800 N.
Cover page for The effects of operator position, pallet orientation, and palletizing condition on low back loads in manual bag palletizing operationsPeer Reviewed Journal Article - May 2015
Download PDF Document (0.97 MB)
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20046015
Int J Ind Ergon 2015 May; 47(3):84-92
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Musculoskeletal Stress on Miners Performing Roof Screening Operations
Nature and Cost of Low Back Pain
Physical Strength Assessment in Ergonomics
Reducing Low Back Pain and Disability in Mining
Self-Reported Musculoskeletal Symptoms Among Operators of Heavy Construction Equipment
Strength Testing
Trunk Extension Strength and Muscle Activity in Standing and Kneeling Postures
Page last reviewed: October 6, 2015
Page last updated: October 6, 2015
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Mining Program
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