Burns Industrial Equipment
Manual Lifting Program
Effective Date: 12/31/2019
Purpose
The purpose of the Burns Industrial Equipment Manual Material Handling Program is to apply ergonomic
principles and sound decision-making to the workplace in an effort to reduce the number of manual lifts
thus decreasing workplace injuries and, where possible, increasing productivity, quality and efficiency. A
proactive material handling approach focuses on making changes when risk factors have been identified,
as well as incorporating automated material handling into the design phase of new facilities, equipment,
tools and scheduling changes.
All employees are required to follow the minimum procedures outlined in this program. Any deviations
from this program must be immediately brought to the attention of the Program Administrator.
Scope
Burns Industrial Equipment strives to provide all employees with a safe and healthy workplace. This
Manual Material Handling Program is integrated into our company’s written safety and health program, and
is a collaborative effort that includes all employees. The Program Administrator is responsible for the
program’s implementation, management and recordkeeping requirements.
Program Responsibilities
Management: The management of Burns Industrial Equipment is committed to the safe handling of all
materials. Management supports the efforts of the Safety Manager and the Safety Committee by
pledging financial and leadership support for the identification and control of material handling risk
factors.
Material Handling Program Administrator: The Program Administrator will report directly to upper
management and be responsible for this program. All evaluations, controls and training will be coordinated
under the direction of the Program Administrator in collaboration with management. The Program
Administrator will monitor the results of the program and determine additional areas of focus as needed.
The Program Administrator will also:
Ensure that those performing worksite evaluations and training are properly trained
Make sure that a hazard assessment is completed before manual lifting is accomplished.
Ensure that control measures are implemented in a timely manner
Schedule manager, supervisor and employee training and maintain records to include date, name
of instructor, topic and materials used
Follow-up with any material handling strategy and/or solutions
Monitor the program on a quarterly basis and provide an annual review
Assist in selection of appropriate material handling equipment and tools
Department Managers and Supervisors: Managers and supervisors of Burns Industrial Equipment will:
Remain accountable for the health and safety of all employees within their departments through
the active support of this program
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Burns Industrial Equipment
Manual Lifting Program
Effective Date: 12/31/2019
Attend material handling training on the recognition and control of work-related material handling
risk factors; this is a supplemental component to our Ergonomics program
Ensure that employees in their areas have received the appropriate training to avoid
musculoskeletal injuries
Ensure that safe material handling practices and principles are considered daily and when
conducting worksite evaluations to assess the potential for and prevention of injuries
Ensure that recommended controls are implemented and/or used appropriately through active
follow-up
Investigation of injuries caused by improper lifting and incorporation of investigation findings into
work procedures to avoid future injuries
Provide employees with and ensure the proper use of appropriate tools, equipment, parts and
materials
Maintain clear communication with managers and employees
Make assistance available to employees who manually handle or lift items weighing 50 pounds
or greater
Employees: Every employee of Burns Industrial Equipment is responsible for conducting himself/herself in
accordance with this policy and program. All employees will:
Use two-wheeled trucks, four-wheeled carts, roller conveyors, pallet jacks, or any other material
handling equipment in the manner established by managers and supervisors
Ensure that equipment is properly maintained in good condition and when not, report it
immediately
Provide feedback to managers and supervisors regarding the effectiveness of design changes, new
tools or equipment
Attend training as required and apply the knowledge and skills acquired during training to their
jobs, tasks, processes, and work activities
Use proper lifting and material handling techniques as outlined in this policy
If the use of lifting equipment is impractical, two-man lifts are performed
Limit manual lifting or handling tasks to objects less than 50 pounds
Get assistance whenever manually handling or lifting materials that are 50 pounds or greater
Report injuries within 24 hours of their occurrence
Employee involvement is an essential element to the success of this program. Employee participation in
the program will occur only during company time. Employees that identify lifting hazards or other safety
hazards will immediately notify their supervisor. If a supervisor is not available, they are to contact Tom
Betschart, Safety Manager or Program Administrator.
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Burns Industrial Equipment
Manual Lifting Program
Effective Date: 12/31/2019
Manual Material Handling Risks
Material Handling Equipment- Additional tools and equipment are required when lifting or handling
material weighing over 50 pounds. Manual material handling equipment should be used only for its
designed task and maintained in good condition. The manual material handling equipment available at
Burns Industrial Equipment includes:
Two-Wheel Trucks: Do not overload these trucks; load a maximum of 200 pounds. Make sure
hand trucks are stored in a vertical position when not in use.
Four-Wheel Carts: Load material evenly on carts to prevent tipping and view obstruction. Push
rather than pull carts, unless specially designed to be pulled.
Overhead cranes in the shop (note that you must have the appropriate crane training)
Pallet Jacks (manual or powered): Use a jack properly rated for the load.
Forklifts (LP, diesel, and electric) are available to make certain lifts (note that you must have a
current operator license)
Housekeeping- Material handling and storage areas must be kept free of excess materials that create
hazards (i.e. fire, explosions, slips, trips, or infestation by insects or rodents.)
Aisles and Passageways- Where mechanical handling equipment is used, 10-foot safe clearances shall
be allowed for aisles, at loading docks, through doorways, and wherever turns or passage must be
made. Aisles and passageways shall be kept clear and in good repair, with no obstruction across or in
aisles that could create a hazard.
Permanent aisles and passageways are marked with yellow lines. Clearance signs and warning of
clearance limits are posted throughout the facility where headroom is below 10 feet. All equipment is
marked indicating the working load it will safely support. Do not overload any piece of equipment.
The following is a list of materials/items that are commonly handled manually at Burns Industrial
Equipment and the equipment that must be used to handle the material. The list does not cover every
lifting occurrence in the workplace. If the task you are about to perform is not listed, contact your
supervisor to determine the safest way to handle the material/item.
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Burns Industrial Equipment
Manual Lifting Program
Effective Date: 12/31/2019
Material to be lifted or moved Equipment to be used
Truck stock replenishment Dolly or 4-wheel cart
Mast Shop Crane
Counterweight Shop Crane
Forklift components on skid (heavy) Forklift
Small forklift components in boxes Dolly or 4-wheel cart
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Burns Industrial Equipment
Manual Lifting Program
Effective Date: 12/31/2019
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