Adding a rotatable turntable option to palletizers or providing enough clearance for additional access to all sides of the pallet will reduce the need for extended reaches and the subsequent torso flexions. Additional use should be made of the hooks or hoes which some employees use to pull elevated and distant materials to them. If upper bins are to be used they should be positioned such that employees do not reach above shoulder height to access materials. Pallets should not be loaded to a height which forces employees to lift their arms above head height and finally all roller pallets should be maintained such that the pallet easily rolls forward to keep the materials as close to the employee, during unloading, as is possible. Generally, reaches should be limited to 16 to 17 inches.
Employees repeatedly twist the torso during lifting operations.
Twisting the torso during lifting operations increases the risk of low back injury significantly as it creates non symmetrical stress on the musculoskeletal system requiring smaller groups of muscles to exert force across a less structurally sound anatomical support mechanism. Frequent torso flexion with twisting is consistent with the development of low back injuries. Employees need to be given training in proper lifting techniques and adequate room to walk around the pallet during loading procedures. The load should always be kept directly in front of the employee. The feet should be moved, instead of twisting the torso, so employees are able to keep the load directly in front of their bodies.