Metal Center Warehouses
traditionally depended on strong men who did not require a clean, noise
free environment. Movement of material often was "lift and carry" and
packaging required heavy lifting and hands on sorting and separation
of material. Banding was with manual tools and portable strapping carts
which were moved from place to place. Material was often stored on the
floor or placed on the floor requiring bending to attach or remove crane
slings.
A modern "ergonomically recommended" warehouse maintains a clean, noise
reduced environment with work stations where material is brought to
the order filler by operators driving vehicles. Material is manipulated
and packaged with conveyors and banders with the operator using joysticks
on a control panel. Tons per hour per employee increases significantly.
Employees value their job and turnover is greatly reduced. Compensation
claims and OSHA citations are eliminated. Productivity increases and
the equipment has a short payback period. Jobs are not gender specific.
Good Ergonomics does not represent a cost to Service Centers but rather
a direction to increased productivity and greater returns on investment.
