This article was
written by ErgoRisk

Forklift Ergonomics 1: Driving's Impact

Most of us don’t think that sitting in a moving vehicle would be hazardous to our health but think…

• After a long drive on your vacation – are you stiff as soon as you get out of the car?
• Are your neck and shoulders stiff and sore after long drives?
• Do you find yourself exhausted after driving down the road all day?

It’s important to accept that the awkward postures, vibration and repetitive nature of forklift driving can easily result in the development of musculoskeletal symptoms. Forklift drivers most commonly experience the early signs and symptoms of musculoskeletal injury in the neck, shoulders, upper and lower back and the forearms. Left unchecked, these can progress to the point of severe pain, reduced movement and eventually the inability to work or play (e.g. tennis elbow, sciatica or disc injuries).

Why is it that when a warning light comes on in your forklift, you will immediately pick up the phone and call your mechanic but won’t do the same when your warning lights come on? Discomfort, pain, numbness, tingling, and reduced movement are some of our body’s warning lights. Putting your hand up early and getting help on (supervisor, safety) or off the job (family physician, physical therapist), will help ensure that your symptoms are temporary and that your wheels will keep on turning for years to come.

This article was
written by ErgoRisk

Forklift Ergonomics 3: Seating

Did you know that professional drivers are at increased risk of back injuries such as disc herniations. (% higher?) Can you guess why?
Two of the most common MSI risk factors (repetition and awkward posture) get some help from the vibration and shock that is transmitted through the seat and the steering wheel.

While it is difficult to change the amount of time that we drive, we can impact the amount of vibration and shock transmitted through the body and our posture. 

 
Find the perfect fit and protect your body by doing a five-point check:

1) Make sure your wallet is out of your back pocket
2) As you sit down, lean forward and shift your hips all of the way back in your seat. This helps to position your spine with the proper 3 curve alignment.
3) Slide your seat forward so that your feet can rest comfortably and so that you the steering wheel is within easy reach and so that you can easily touch the pedals.
4) Adjust your backrest so that it is tilted slightly backward (not vertical). Using the backrest reduces the amount that your core muscles have to work and reduce the stress on the back.
5) If you have them, adjust your arm rests, your lumbar support and headrest to support your body.
To minimize shock and vibration – slowing down is the key. You may not realize is that vibration and shock causes our core muscles to work harder, eventually fatiguing them. Fatigued muscles lead to even worse posture (think of a hockey player’s technique at the end of triple overtime).

This article was
written by ErgoRisk

Forklift Ergonomics 2: Bad Habits are Hard to Brake

“It’s not the fall that kills you. It’s the sudden stop at the end”, Douglas Adams

While some musculoskeletal injuries creep up on us gradually, others can slam into us like a brick…or a cement pillar. Have YOUR bad habits ever caught up with you?

Professional drivers learn often find many ways to go faster, get more done, usually getting ‘attaboys’ along the way. But of course, there is a balance and some simple lines that shouldn’t be crossed. 

 
Here are 5 laws of the forklift road:

• No Costanza Wallets: Remove your wallet from your back pocket every time before you drive. Your back will thank you.
• Wear your seatbelt. Every time you get in the vehicle. Your kneecaps, ribs and neck will thank you.
• Maintain three point contact every time you get in and out of your vehicle. Did you know that one out of every three forklift injuries occurs getting in/out of the vehicle?
• Drive the speed limit. Speed multiplies the impact of all stresses on the body. In a battle between a forklift, a cement pillar and you, sorry, but we are going to bet on the first two.
• In a battle of forklift, pothole, driver – the driver always loses. Keep all four wheels on the ground. Uneven surfaces, potholes and transitions are everywhere. Don’t be ‘shocked’. Keep both eyes on the road.

This article was
written by ErgoRisk

Forklift Ergonomics 4: Good Habits are Hard to Brake

• Ergonomics is about fitting your forklift to your body size and shape. It’s also about understanding how the human body operates and understanding its limitations.

• It’s fair to say that the human body isn’t meant to sit on a vibrating seat for hours and hours and hours every day. In reality, forktrucks break down frequently and they ARE designed to do this.

• Is it time to implement some good habits to maintain our body?

• Stretch breaks – if your workflow allows, consider injecting some 30 second stretches intermittently throughout your workday. Hand stretches, shoulder stretches, neck stretches… Your body will thank you.

• Short breaks after lifting – the human spine doesn’t like sitting bent forward for a long time followed by heavy lifting. Respect your back by giving it a few minutes between getting off your vehicle and lifting something heavy.

• Microbreaks – These short (10-15 s) breaks allow your muscles time to get some oxygen and recover from repetitive work. It can be as simple as taking your hands off of the steering wheel or your feet off the pedals if you are waiting for something.