Case study 3 – printing industry, modifying the task to reduce the risk

The task

Waste paper was being transferred in large high-sided trolleys over distances of 25-50 metres (see Figure 1). Employees pushed the trolley to an elevator, from where it was mechanically emptied into a compactor.

Assessing the risk

The trolleys were fitted with small plastic castors, which tended to stick in the gaps between the floor tiles (see figure 2). The high-sided design of the waste trolleys meant that when pushing, the operators’ view of what was in front of them was reduced. These factors hindered the movement, particularly when fully laden. The forces were measured using a dynamometer the force measured was 690N (69kg of force) and to keep the trolley moving 430N (43kg of force) was measured. These forces are above the guideline figure in the guidance booklet L23 “Manual Handling”.

The solution

A conveyor system was installed for automatic movement of waste paper to the delivery bay compactor. Automation of the waste handling process minimised the manual handling involved with waste disposal which in turn reduced the overall level of forceful handling that operators were expected to perform.

Alternative recommendations to reduce the risk to the worker

Half-filling trolleys to reduce the force required to manoeuvre the trolleys and improve forward visibility to make the task more efficient. This may increase the frequency with which waste trolleys would need to be handled.
New larger wheels on the trolleys to improve movement across the tiled floor;
Regular maintenance of wheel bearings to reduce maintaining force when pushing the trolleys.