The most common on the job injuries encountered on conveyor lines are musculoskeletal disorders and entanglement of body parts in the equipment. Lifting objects weighing more than 10 pounds if done more than twice per minute for more than two hours total per work day. Lifting objects weighing more than 75 pounds once per workday or 55 or more pounds more than 10 times per work day. We have all seen them. At grocery stores, at the hardware store, maybe at your own company in the warehouse or at the loading dock.
Many firms rely on back belts to reduce the risk of employee lifting injuries.
Don't be fooled. Poor back belt design is not the reason for the lack of positive results. There is no significant indication, according to the research, that any type or design of back belt will reduce pain or injury. The answer may lie in proper lifting and equipment to aid in material handling. As part of Materials Handling Equipment Company's Forklift Operator Training program, we address both trailer drop and trailer creep at the loading dock.