We're sorry, but OSHAcademy doesn't work properly without JavaScript enabled. Please turn on JavaScript or install a browser that supports Javascript.

619 Materials Handling Safety
Skip to main content

Introduction

Mishandling materials is the single largest cause of accidents and injuries in the workplace. Most of these accidents and injuries can be readily avoided. Whenever possible, mechanical means should be used to move materials to avoid employee injuries such as muscle pulls, strains, and sprains. Many loads are too heavy and/or bulky to be safely moved manually. Various types of equipment, therefore, have been designed specifically to aid in the movement of materials: cranes, derricks, hoists, powered industrial trucks, and conveyors.

This course describes basic concepts and principles of manual and mechanical materials handling, including moving, transferring, handling, lifting, and storing materials.

Course Objectives

At the end of this course, you should be able to:
ID Objective
TO 1.0 Achieve a minimum score of 70% on the final course assessment.
LO 1.1.1 Describe the hazard when performing manual material handling.
LO 1.1.2 Describe safety practices when loading, transporting, and unloading materials.
LO 1.2.1 Discuss the hazards and safe work practices when using powered industrial trucks.
LO 1.3.1 Describe the hazards and safe work practices when using cranes and slings.
LO 1.3.2 Describe crane operator and signal person safety and training requirements.
LO 1.3.3 Discuss requirements for the safe use of slings and lifting/hoisting activities.
LO 1.4.1 Describe safe work practices when working around conveyors.
LO 1.4.2 Describe safe practices related to housekeeping and materials storage.

Key: Terminal Objective (TO), Learning Objective (LO)