Ergonomics at materials recycling facilities

Conveyor belts are used in several industries to move materials. Using these systems in the workplace can reduce the risks of Musculoskeletal injury (MSD) by avoiding the need for excessive repetitive lifting and carrying.

However, conveyor belt workstations should be properly designed to ensure that operators do not excessively lean, stoop, twist, or over-reach, since these repetitive movements can themselves lead to musculoskeletal injury.

The workplace, size of the conveyor, type, through-put and height of material, and how material is handled, are all factors to consider when assessing the risk of MSDs in a task undertaken at a conveyor.

The guidance below considers these and many more issues, and gives practical, well-illustrated solutions.