Job: Front End Loader (Dock and Ship)/Skidsteer Description: Operates the Front End Loader/ Skidsteer Equipment Assessed: Volvo Front End Loader/ Caterpillar Skidsteer ESSENTIAL DUTIES 1. Operating the Front End Loader Flat Surface A) Sitting B) Handling Controls C) Operating Foot Pedals 2. Operating the Front End Loader Chip Barges A. Sitting B. Handling Controls C. Operating Foot Pedals 3. Operating the Skidsteer A. Sitting B. Handling Controls C. Operating Foot Pedals 4. Getting On/Off the Front End Loader or Skidsteer 5. Gaining Access to and Exiting the Ship s Hold 6. Pre-Operation Inspection Staffing: Front End Loader operators work at multiple sites and are usually dispatched in pairs. Skidsteer operators are usually dispatched for cleanup duties as a single operator. Shift Schedule: Longshoremen may be dispatched to 3 typical shifts. Days: 8am-4:30pm; Afternoons: 4:30pm-1am and graveyard: 1am-8am They typically rotate 2 hours on/2 hours off the machine. However in some cases, operators may agree to other schedules (1 on/off or 4 on/off). If working alone (skidsteer) they follow the standard break schedule (2 X 10 min; 30 min lunch on days/afternoons). ErgoRisk 2008 Page 1 of 20
DESCRIPTION OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES 1. OPERATING THE FRONT END LOADER FLAT SURFACES Frequency Operates the Front End Loader for up to 4 hrs out of an 8-hour shift. The operators drive for 2 hrs and break for the same period depending on the agreement between the two operators. Equipment Front End Loader (Caterpillar, Volvo) Task Description The Front End Loader is a piece of heavy equipment used to lift and dump large volumes of material from one location to another. On the dock, they are used to load sugar (BC Sugar), potash (Neptune Terminals) and zinc (Kinder Morgan - warehouse to railcar). On the ship, they are used to move product toward the overhead crane during the offloading/discharging process. When operating in warehouses or in the hold of a ship, the worksurface is flat. The operator is able to lift/push material toward the destination and maintain a relatively flat worksurface. In the warehouses (e.g. Neptune Terminals Potash), the operators lift or push the materials to a pile over top of a grizzly (grate in the floor that leads to a conveyor system below). The operators aim to maintain the flow of product onto the conveyor at all times as this determines the speed at which the ships are loaded. The Excavator is used to discharge the majority of materials from the pile close to the grizzlies whereas the front end loaders are responsible for moving the product from the parts of the warehouse furthest away from the grizzly (up to 100 feet away). When working in the warehouse, the travel time forward and backward is approximately 60%/40%. The drivers drive forward to fill their bucket, back-up, and then drive to the grizzly to dump their bucket and then back-up in order to repeat the process. Their speed when travelling backward is usually faster than forward since they must slow down when filling their loader. The operators move continuously unless the pile over the grizzly is too high. If so, the operator will wait until the pile has reduced enough to allow the operator to dump the load. ErgoRisk 2008 Page 2 of 20
A SITTING Equipment Front End Loader Seat Duration 4hrs total/shift Frequency Sustained (2 hrs) Force NA Task Overview Frequent rotation of the neck to the left or right when looking around work area. Maximal rotation of the neck to the right when driving backward. Frequent neck flexion and extension when looking at controls, bulk material or bucket. The operator is seated for the duration of the operating task. Whole-body vibration when Front End Loader is in operation. Significant jolts and bumps when the Front End Loader is travelling or performing forceful movements (e.g. filling bucket). Bumps may occur when driving and looking backward, especially when driving over edges. When bucket is fully loaded, vehicle may bounce. Front End Loader seat is adjustable. B HANDLING CONTROLS Equipment Steering wheel, levers, button controls Duration 4hrs total/shift Frequency Constant when operating Force Minimal Task Overview Each Front End Loader has a steering wheel and small lever controls for the loader. The right hand controls the bucket (up/down/tilt). There is also a control for direction (forward, reverse) on the side of the steering wheel. This may vary by vehicle. Force required to operate the controls is minimal. As well, there are many other switch controls that are used very infrequently (heat, radio, many others). The left hand grips a steering wheel knob or steering wheel with a power grip. The right hand rests on a wrist/arm rest and the fingers and thumb are used to control the levers (forward/back). Wrist postures and angles vary depending on the movements. The right wrist/arm can be supported by the arm rest (varies by vehicle). There are significant dexterity requirements to make fine adjustments to the Front End Loader bucket while in motion and while steering with the opposite hand/arm. ErgoRisk 2008 Page 3 of 20
C OPERATING FOOT PEDAL Equipment Foot pedals Duration 4hrs total/shift Frequency Constant when operating Force Minimal Task Overview There are two foot pedals on the floor of the Front End Loader cab. They operate like the controls in a car or truck. The right foot pedal is for accelerating and the left is for braking. Operating the foot pedals requires ankle flexion and extension. FUNCTIONAL DEMANDS with MSI POTENTIAL Operating the Front End Loader Static neck rotation in the horizontal plane when driving backward. Static sitting posture for long periods while focusing intensely on the material, equipment and other equipment in close proximity. Head forward posture is not required but was observed when driving forward. Shoulder The left shoulder is in constant movement when turning the steering wheel. The hand may cross the mid-line of the body. Elbow/Wrist/Hand Complex small wrist movements are required when manipulating the levers on the right side. Significant dexterity is required by the left hand when operating in tight spaces or when in close proximity to other machines or the edges of the warehouse. ErgoRisk 2008 Page 4 of 20
STRATEGIES TO MINIMIZE MSI Operating the Front End Loader Stretch the neck muscles often to allow tissue recovery resulting from awkward postures. Try tucking the chin to place the neck in proper alignment with the spinal column and then rotate the head to one side or the other. Hold the stretch for 20 seconds. When driving backward, try to turn the hips in the seat and get rotation from all parts of the back rather than just from the neck. File photos Back As much as possible, avoid sitting for extended periods of time to minimize static use of back muscles. Stand and stretch whenever possible. Take the opportunity to stretch or walk during scheduled breaks to restore blood flow to the spinal tissues. Minimize awkward sitting posture by taking the time to adjust seat for best fit before starting work. Reverse forward leaning postures by arching the back, squeezing the shoulder blades together and sticking the chest out (see picture at right). Shoulders Take hands off the steering wheel, controls and wrist rest whenever not operating the controls. Let shoulders relax and hands rest in lap until required to reach back for the controls again. Use the elbow/wrist rest to reduce static unsupported postures of the shoulders when operating the joysticks and hand controls. Stretch the chest muscles to allow recovery from static postures. Sit back in the seat and combine the neck stretch with a chest stretch by interlocking your fingers behind your head and squeezing your shoulder blades together. Hold for 20s. Elbow/Wrist Maintain neutral wrist posture when operating steering wheel and controls. Where possible use a power grip on the steering wheel knob to reduce stresses to the small structures in the hand. Let go of the right hand levers whenever possible to reduce static grip stresses to the elbow, hand and forearm. Avoid static postures of the fingers when grasping the controls or when waiting to engage a control. Try to keep the muscles of the hand and wrist relaxed whenever possible. Perform wrist and forearm stretches with elbow straight to stretch muscles and increase blood flow after periods of particularly repetitive or prolonged static wrist and hand postures. ErgoRisk 2008 Page 5 of 20
2. OPERATING THE FRONT END LOADER CHIP AND SALT BARGES Frequency Operates the Front End Loader for up to 4 hrs out of an 8-hour shift. The operators drive for 1 or 2 hrs and break for the same period depending on the agreement between the two operators. Equipment Front End Loader (Caterpillar, Volvo) Task Description The Front End Loader is a piece of heavy equipment used to lift and dump large volumes of material from one location to another. Chip Barges When unloading chip barges, the front end loader travels up and down a ramp and onto the chip barge. The operator then backs over the transition to the ramp (significant bump) and up the ramp (angled) in order to dump the load in the grizzly (a grate that the chips fall through to the conveyor system below- top picture). The angle of the ramp varies depending on the tide and can reach as much as 45 degrees. The operator must back the front end loader up the ramp while avoiding contact between the bucket and the ground (when travelling over the transition) or the sides of the ramp. It was reported that clearance can be minimal as some buckets are larger (to move more product). One a barge is opened, the operators clear a path to the rear of the barge (going forward and backward down the middle of the barge) and then back into the barge and drive forward, pushing chips with the bucket (easier than driving backward up the ramp). When unloading chips, It was estimated that approximately 60% of the driving time when unloading a barge is spent going forward and 40% travelling backward. Salt Barges When unloading salt barges, a front end loader is lifted onto the salt barge. Rather than a grizzly, a portable hopper/conveyor system is put on top of the salt in the middle of the barge. The operator builds a road up the middle of the barge to reduce the need to drive over an uneven surface. The driver then proceeds to drive forward and backward, loading the salt into the hopper/conveyor system. While there are no inclines like the chip barge ramp, the surface can be uneven and slightly angled, resulting in stress on the body. As well, since the barge is floating in the water, there can also be a lot of rocking (forward and back motion) while emptying the barge. ErgoRisk 2008 Page 6 of 20
A SITTING Equipment Front End Loader Seat Duration 4hrs total/shift Frequency Sustained (1-2 hrs) Force n/a Task Overview Frequent rotation and flexion of the neck to the left or right when looking at clearances between the machine, the bucket and the ramp. Maximal rotation of the neck to the right when driving backward. Activation of core muscles in order to maintain balance when backing up or going down the ramp at angles of up to 45 degrees (chip barge). Activation of core muscles to maintain balance and posture when driving over uneven surfaces and counteracting rocking of the barge (forward and backward). Back rotation combined with neck rotation and extension when looking up the ramp (chip barge) Frequent neck flexion and extension when looking at controls, chips or bucket. The operator is seated for the duration of the operating task. Whole-body vibration when Front End Loader is in operation. Significant jolts and bumps when the Front End Loader is travelling over the transition or performing forceful movements (e.g. filling bucket). Bumps may occur when driving and looking backward, especially when driving over edges and changing angles. When bucket is fully loaded, vehicle bounces more. The Front End Loader seat is adjustable. B HANDLING CONTROLS Equipment Steering wheel, levers, button controls Duration up to 5hr 20min Frequency Constant when operating Force Minimal Task Overview Each Front End Loader has a steering wheel and small controls for the bucket. The right hand controls the bucket (up/down/tilt). There is also a control for direction (forward, reverse) on the side of the steering wheel. This may vary by vehicle. Force required is minimal. As well, there are many other switch controls that are used very infrequently (heat, radio, many others). The left hand grips a steering wheel knob or steering wheel with a power grip. The right hand may rest on a wrist/arm rest and the fingers and thumb are used to control the levers (forward/back). Wrist postures and angles vary depending on the movements. There are significant dexterity requirements to make fine adjustments to the Front End Loader bucket. ErgoRisk 2008 Page 7 of 20
The operator must maintain constant control of the bucket and steering wheel when unloading the barge due to the proximity to the sides of the ramp and the transition to the ramp. This results in static gripping and control of the steering wheel and controls throughout the majority of the work cycle. C OPERATING FOOT PEDAL Equipment Foot pedals Duration Up to 4 hours/shift Frequency Constant when operating Force Minimal Task Overview There are two foot pedals on the floor of the Front End Loader cab. They operate like the controls in a car or truck. The right foot pedal is for accelerating and the left is for braking. Operating the foot pedals requires ankle flexion and extension. FUNCTIONAL DEMANDS with MSI POTENTIAL Operating the Front End Loader Static neck rotation in the horizontal plane when driving backward. Static neck rotation and extension when driving backward up the ramp or when looking in rear view mirror. Static sitting posture for long periods while focusing on the chip pile, ramp and machine controls. Head forward posture is not required but was observed when driving forward. This is pronounced when travelling up/down the angled ramp to the barge. Shoulder The left shoulder is in constant movement when turning the steering wheel. This arm/hand may cross the mid-line of the body. Elbow/Wrist/Hand Complex small wrist movements are required when manipulating the levers on the right side. Significant dexterity is required by the left and right when operating in tight spaces and when controlling the bucket when travelling or going over the transition. ErgoRisk 2008 Page 8 of 20
STRATEGIES TO MINIMIZE MSI Operating the Front End Loader When driving backward, try to turn the hips in the seat and get rotation from all parts of the back rather than just from the neck. When driving backward, learn to use indirect vision (mirrors) to reduce the amount of time spent rotating the neck to look backward. Stretch the neck muscles often to allow tissue recovery resulting from awkward postures. Try tucking the chin to place the neck in proper alignment with the spinal column and then rotate the head to one side or the other. Hold the stretch for 20 seconds. File photos Back Minimize the degree of torso twisting by turning whole body in the seat when checking the load position while stopped for unloading. Minimize awkward sitting posture by taking the time to adjust seat for best fit before starting work. When leaning forward, focus on flexing or hinging from the hips and maintaining a neutral three curve spine. Where possible, try to maintain a mild contraction of the lower abdominal muscles in order to provide support for the structures of the low back. Follow the procedure to fill in the gap between the ramp and the barge in order to minimize bouncing and impact when travelling over the transition. As much as possible, avoid sitting for extended periods of time to minimize static use of back muscles. Stand and stretch whenever possible. Take the opportunity to stretch or walk during scheduled breaks to restore blood flow to the spinal tissues. Reverse forward leaning postures by arching the back, squeezing the shoulder blades together and sticking the chest out (see picture at right). Shoulders Take hands off the steering wheel, controls and wrist rest whenever not operating the controls. Let shoulders relax and hands rest in lap until required to reach back for the controls again. Even short breaks (<30s) every 10 minutes can reduce fatigue and discomfort when operating the loader. Use the elbow/wrist rest to reduce static unsupported postures of the shoulders when operating the joysticks and hand controls. Stretch the chest muscles to allow recovery from static postures. Sit back in the seat and combine the neck stretch with a chest stretch by interlocking your fingers behind your head and squeezing your shoulder blades together. Hold for 20s. Elbow/Wrist Maintain neutral wrist posture when operating steering wheel and controls. Where possible use a power grip on the steering wheel knob to reduce stresses to the small structures in the hand. Let go of the right hand levers whenever possible to reduce static grip stresses to the elbow, hand and forearm. Avoid static postures of the fingers when grasping the controls or when waiting to engage a control. Try to keep the muscles of the hand and wrist relaxed ErgoRisk 2008 Page 9 of 20
whenever possible. Perform wrist and forearm stretches with elbow straight to stretch muscles and increase blood flow after periods of particularly repetitive or prolonged static wrist and hand postures. 3. OPERATING THE SKIDSTEER Frequency Operates equipment for up to 7.5 hours per shift. Operator reported that average time per shift is 6hr. Equipment Skidsteer or Bobcat Task Description Skidsteers are used primarily for clean-up. They may be used to assist other heavy equipment operators. When dispatched, the posting will usually be for Front End Loader capable of Bobcat. Commonly, the operator will use the Skidsteer to load material into a Front End Loader bucket and then the loader will be used to transport/dump the material. The Skidsteer controls may be only hand controls (as in the equipment in the pictures) or may be a combination of hand and foot controls. The Skidsteer has no shock absorbers or suspension. When picking up or handling bulk materials, there can be significant jolts or jostling in all directions. A SITTING Equipment Skidsteer Seat Duration Up to 7.5 hrs/shift Frequency Sustained for up to 2 hr Force Minimal Task Overview Frequent rotation and flexion of the neck to the left or right when looking at clearances between the machine and the bulk material. Activation of core muscles in order to maintain balance. Activation of core muscles to maintain balance and posture when driving over uneven surfaces and counteracting rocking of the vehicle when accelerating or decelerating. Back rotation combined with neck rotation when turning in tight spaces. Frequent neck flexion and extension when looking at chips or dumping bucket. The operator is seated for the duration of the operating task. ErgoRisk 2008 Page 10 of 20
Whole-body vibration when the Skidsteer is in operation. Significant jolts and bumps when the Skidsteer is travelling over transitions. Bumps may occur when driving and looking backward, especially when driving over bulk materials or rough surfaces. When bucket is fully loaded, vehicle bounces more. The Skidsteer seat is adjustable. B HANDLING CONTROLS Equipment Hand Controls and Foot Controls Duration up to 7.5 hrs Frequency Constant when operating Force Minimal Task Overview The Skidsteer observed only had hand controls (left hand travel; right hand bucket). Bobcats have hand and foot controls. The feet control boom and bucket (left and right foot respectively) where the hand controls control travel. Force required is minimal. The left hand right hands grip the joystick controls with a power grip. Wrist postures and angles vary depending on the movements. There are significant dexterity requirements to make fine adjustments to the Skidsteer controls Operating the foot pedals requires ankle flexion and extension. FUNCTIONAL DEMANDS WITH MSI POTENTIAL Operating the Skidsteer Significant neck flexion or rotation may occur as the operator looks down to view the bulk materials and the bucket. flexion and rotation occurs when turning the Skidsteer in tight spaces. Static sitting posture for long periods when focusing on the bulk materials and machine controls. Back Static use of back muscles from sitting for extended periods can increase fatigue. Twisting postures stress spinal tissues such as when looking behind. Impacts and jolts when contacting bulk pile or driving over rough surfaces can cause stress on ligaments and muscles of the back and stress the discs/facets. Shoulder The arms are unsupported when operating the Skidsteer. Hand/arm vibration is present as the vehicle has solid tires and no shock absorbers. Worker may brace with arms if realizing that impact may occur. Elbow/Wrist/Hand Complex small wrist movements are required when manipulating the levers on both sides of the operator. Significant dexterity is required by the left and right hand at all times. ErgoRisk 2008 Page 11 of 20
STRATEGIES TO MINIMIZE MSI Operating the Skidsteer Stretch the neck muscles often to allow tissue recovery resulting from awkward postures. Try tucking the chin to place the neck in proper alignment with the spinal column and then rotate the head to one side or the other. Hold the stretch for 20 seconds. Back File photos Minimize awkward sitting posture by taking the time to adjust seat for best fit before starting work (especially seat tension). When leaning forward, focus on flexing or hinging from the hips and maintaining a neutral three curve spine. Where possible, try to maintain a mild contraction of the lower abdominal muscles in order to provide support for the structures of the low back when travelling over rough terrain or balancing against acceleration/deceleration forces. As much as possible, avoid sitting for extended periods of time to minimize static use of back muscles. Stand and stretch whenever possible. Take the opportunity to stretch or walk during scheduled breaks to restore blood flow to the spinal tissues. Reverse forward leaning postures by arching the back, squeezing the shoulder blades together and sticking the chest out (see picture at right). Shoulders Take hands off the steering wheel, controls and wrist rest whenever not operating the controls. Let shoulders relax and hands rest in lap until required to reach back for the controls again. Even short breaks (<30s) every 10 minutes can reduce fatigue and discomfort when operating the loader. Use the elbow/wrist rest to reduce static unsupported postures of the shoulders when operating the joysticks controls. Stretch the chest muscles to allow recovery from static postures. Sit back in the seat and combine the neck stretch with a chest stretch by interlocking your fingers behind your head and squeezing your shoulder blades together. Hold for 20s. Elbow/Wrist Maintain neutral wrist posture when operating the hand controls. Let go of the joysticks whenever possible to reduce static grip stresses to the elbow, hand and forearm. Avoid static postures of the fingers when grasping the controls or when waiting to engage a control. Try to keep the muscles of the hand and wrist relaxed whenever possible. Perform wrist and forearm stretches with elbow straight to stretch muscles and increase blood flow after periods of particularly repetitive or prolonged static wrist and hand postures. ErgoRisk 2008 Page 12 of 20
4. ASCENDING AND DESCENDING THE FRONT END LOADER/SKIDSTEER Frequency At the beginning and end of each work period. May also occur intermittently during the shift if the operator has to get down from the lift truck for other reasons. Equipment Front End Loader or Skidsteer Task Description Front End Loader: Operator uses foot and hand holds to climb onto and down from the cab of the front end loader with a 3-point stance. A series of footholds and handholds are available. While ascending/descending the ladder/steps of the front end loader, the operator must pause and open or close the door to the cab. Skidsteer: The operator steps up on top of the loader and opens the door to the cab. The operator then attempts to maintain three point contact while turning around and backing into the seat inside the cab of the skidsteer. ASCENDING & DESCENDING THE VEHICLE Equipment None Duration < 10 seconds Frequency 8 or more times per shift Force Body weight with 3-point contact FUNCTIONAL DEMANDS WITH MSI POTENTIAL Ascending & Descending the Front End Loader (FEL) or Skidsteer (SS) Significant neck flexion may occur as the operator looks down to ensure his/her footing. Shoulder (FEL)Reaching above shoulder height is required, to hold the handles. (FEL)The shoulder and forearm muscles must work to pull the operator up, or lower him down from the vehicle. (FEL)Reaching across the body to grasp a handle on the opposite side of the body which places the shoulder in an awkward posture. (SS) Reaching above shoulder height and eccentric control of the body is required when lowering into the cab of the skidsteer. Reaching and pushing up with the arms is required to propel the body forward from the small entrance to the cab. Hip (FEL)Significant hip flexion is required when stepping up to or down from the bottom step of the vehicle. (FEL)Possibility for high impact force when descending the vehicle. (SS) Stepping up onto the bucket and down into the cab requires significant hip flexion. ErgoRisk 2008 Page 13 of 20
(Both)Working at extreme postures requires the hip muscles to develop high forces from a mechanically disadvantageous position. Knee (Both) Jumping down from the vehicle may place impact stress on the knee joint. (Both) Ascending the high first step of the vehicle requires quadriceps force which could be significant resulting in increased stress to the patella and knee joint. Ankle (Both)Jumping down may place stress on the tissues in and surrounding the ankle joint. Other (Both) Descending from the vehicle facing forwards can increase the risk of slipping or tripping and is high risk behaviour. STRATEGIES TO MINIMIZE MSI Ascending & Descending the Front End Loader (FEL) or Skidsteer (SS) Avoid sustained neck flexion when ascending or descending the Front End Loader. Check footing then return to looking in front when climbing in/out. Shoulder Avoid reaching across the body to grasp a handle. A handle located on the right side of the body should be grasped with the right hand and a handle positioned on the left side of the body with the left hand. Grasp a handle with the palm facing sideways to keep the shoulder joint in a neutral position. Hold lower on the handles to reduce the degree of shoulder overhead reaching when ascending/descending. Push off with toes of lower foot to assist in ascending the first step. Hip/Low Back Always try to maintain a three curve spine when entering/exiting the equipment. Support the upper body when descending the vehicle to reduce force demands required. Control speed of descent from the vehicle to minimize possibility of high impact force. Perform core stability exercises and hip and low back stretches proactively to maintain hip flexibility (examples to right). Knee Use both hand and foot supports where possible. Avoid jumping to minimize risk of strains and sprains to the knee joints. Control speed of descent to minimize possibility of high impact force. Always use three points of contact when getting on or off of equipment. Ankle Maintain balance and beware of debris or precipitation on footholds. Clear footholds of debris before climbing onto the machine. Use both hand and foot supports where possible. Avoid jumping to minimize risk of strains and sprains to the ankle joints. Always use three points of contact when getting on or off of equipment. ErgoRisk 2008 Page 14 of 20
5. GAINING ACCESS TO/EXITING THE SHIP S HOLD (FRONT END LOADER) Frequency Two or four times per shift depending on need. Frequency may vary depending on the needs of the crane operator. If one hold has been emptied, the crane operator may move the Front End Loader to another hold. Equipment None Task Description If a Front End Loader is needed inside the hold of a vessel, the crane (e.g. Red Dog Crane) will be used to lift a loader from the dock to the inside of the ship s hold. The operator drives the Front End Loader to the ship and then exits, accessing the hold through the ship. This requires travel by foot up the gangway, through the interior passageways of the vessel, through a hatch and then down a series of ladders/stairs to access the ship s hold. The operator may have to climb over and down a railing to access the bulk material. The operator then walks over the loose bulk product (e.g. zinc) to the machine and then ascends the machine. Once the hold is empty, the operator is required to reverse this course, climbing series of stairs and ladders to exit the ship and to return to the dock to retrieve the Front End Loader. NOTE: Last two pictures are of an excavator but a similar process is used for the Front End Loader. ErgoRisk 2008 Page 15 of 20
GAINING ACCESS TO/ EXITING THE SHIP S HOLD Equipment None Duration 5-10 minutes Frequency 2-6 times/shift Force Body weight FUNCTIONAL DEMANDS WITH MSI POTENTIAL Gaining Access to the Ship s Hold Significant neck flexion, extension or rotation may occur as the operator looks down to ensure his footing when climbing up/down ladders. Shoulder Overhead reaching is required when climbing up/down ladders. This can stress structures in the shoulders and arms. Hip Climbing up stairs, in/out of hatches and over railing requires significant hip flexion. Working at extreme postures requires the hip muscles to develop high forces from a mechanically disadvantageous position. Knee Supporting body weight against the force of gravity when ascending and descending stairs or ladder can put stress on the structures around the knee. Impact force descending the last step of the ladder can put stress on the structures around the knee, particularly if jumping down from bottom step. STRATEGIES TO MINIMIZE MSI Gaining Access to the Ship s Hold Avoid sustained neck flexion when ascending or descending the stairs and ladders. Check footing then return to looking in front when climbing up/down. Shoulder Avoid extreme overhead reaching when climbing ladders. Keep arm in close to the side of the body to increase stability through the shoulder joint. Knee/Ankle Use hand rail or ladder rungs to help with balance and to assist in pulling up body weight when ascending or to slow rate of descent when coming down the stairs or ladder. Avoid jumping down from bottom step to reduce stress to the knee. Always use three points of contact when ascending or descending the ladders or stairs. Maintain a constant awareness for debris, oil or other hazards that could lead to a foot slipping while climbing stairs or ladders. ErgoRisk 2008 Page 16 of 20
6. PERFORMING THE PRE-OPERATION INSPECTION Frequency Each time the operator accesses the Front End Loader. May be 2-4 times a day depending on the operators have structured their breaks. Equipment None Task Description Operators perform a visual inspection of the Front End Loader by walking around the equipment. Operators are looking for major mechanical issues (oil leaks, equipment damage). NOTE: The joint ranges of motion required to perform the visual inspection is significantly less than the postural ranges required to climb on/off the Front End Loader. As well, the operator is free to use a variety of different body postures to perform the visual inspection so MSI risks for this task are relatively low. PRE-OPERATION INSPECTION Equipment None Duration 1-2 minutes Frequency 1-3 times/shift Force Minimal FUNCTIONAL DEMANDS WITH MSI POTENTIAL Performing Pre-Operation Inspection flexion or extension may occur as the operator looks down to assess the condition of engine, loader or bucket. Back Bending and stooping may be required to assess the Front End Loader systems at low levels (hydraulics, engine). Shoulder Knees Above shoulder reaching may be required if the operator decides to look more closely at a potential problem with the engine or hydraulics above shoulder level. Operator may be required to kneel or squat in order to perform a closer inspection of potential problems. This can put stress on the knees. ErgoRisk 2008 Page 17 of 20
STRATEGIES TO MINIMIZE MSI Performing Pre-Operation Inspection Avoid sustained neck flexion when performing assessments. Look down briefly and then move head back into a neutral position once area is visually inspected. Turn body by moving feet and pivoting to reduce the degree of neck rotation required. Back Avoid twisting or bending the back when assessing low parts of the Front End Loader. Instead keep inward curve in the low back and go down on 1 knee to assess low areas. Move feet rather than twisting back when turning to inspect other areas. Pull up on vehicle to assist in returning to standing from kneeling or squatting. Shoulder Keep arm close to the side of the body and avoid overhead reaching as much as possible. 7. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS Exposure to Elements The operator is inside the cab for the duration of the time he/she is operating the machine. The operator is exposed to the elements when accessing the hold (front end loader), climbing on/off of the machine and when performing the pre-operation inspection. Uneven Surfaces The Front End Loader is constantly moving over or coming in contact with uneven surfaces (piles of bulk product) which increases the bumps and jolts inside the cab. When offloading a chip barge, there are significant high amplitude jolts while driving backward over the transition to the ramp. This can be managed by driving slower and ensuring that the transition is smoothed out as much as possible. Vibration The operator is exposed to whole body vibration throughout operation of the Front End Loader. There are also significant bumps and jolts as the Front End Loader changes direction, particularly if moving up and over piles of bulk material. Other (Hazardous Materials) PPE is required due to the types of products being handled. Workboots, Hi-Vis vests, respirators, dust masks, gloves, white coveralls and hardhats may be required and are frequently worn. The operator is also exposed to exhaust from the Front End Loader, dust from chip piles (sensitizer) and particulate in the air when working. ErgoRisk 2008 Page 18 of 20
8. PHYSICAL DEMANDS SUMMARY TABLE Job Demands Max. Weight/ Avg. Weight (Kg) Duration per exposure h=hrs s=secs, m=mins Frequency UNABLE to perform Comments STRENGTH POSTURE & MOBILITY ENVIRONMENT Lifting/Carry 5 R Fire extinguisher if needed. Push/Pull 5/3 <10s F/C Complex small movements of steering wheel and bucket control and gross movement to open/close cab door Supporting Body Weight 3m/ 20m O Climbing on/off Front End Loader via steps (4-8X/shift; 3m). Accessing ship s hold via stairs and ladders 2-6 times/shift (20m). Gripping / Handling <10s F/C Steering wheel, bucket control, gear shift and other controls: repetitive small movements Fine Motor Skills <10s F/C Complex small movements of joystick control to operate articulating arm and attachment. Sitting 7.5h F/C Constant sitting for duration of work (Front End Loader 4 hours; Skidsteer up to 7.5 hr) Driving 7.5h F/C Constant travel to get to lift or push product and then back up. Standing <5m O During visual inspection. Walking 100m O Walk from machine, up gangway to vessel, through passageways and down ladders, stairs to access hold. May be repeated 2-6X per shift. Bending/ Stooping <30s R During visual inspection. Sustained Crouching/ Kneeling N Climbing Stairs 20m R Go up/down gangway, ladders and stairs to access/ exit hold. Climbing Ladders 20m R Go up/down gangway, ladders, and through hatches to access/ exit hold. Crawling N Balancing <10s O When driving over rough terrain, uneven surfaces and when barge is rocking. Throwing N Overhead Reach 1-5m O Climbing ladders and steps in/out of machine and ship s hold. Exposure to Elements <5m O Ascending/descending Front End Loader or during visual inspection Uneven Surfaces 2m O When accessing Front End Loader inside vessel Proximity to moving objects Vibration (upper extremity) Vibration (whole body) 4/7.5 h C C F/C Not within the cab, outside there may be other heavy equipment operating in area (Other Front End Loaders, overhead cranes, excavator). Skidsteer doesn t have shock absorbers and has solid wheels. Vibration is transmitted through machine and controls to arm. Constant low level vibration when operating Front End Loader; Jolts when travelling/making contact with product. ErgoRisk 2008 Page 19 of 20
Frequency Ratings: N: Never R: Rare - Not daily or up to 1% of shift (<5mins/day) O: Occasional - 1%-33% of shift (up to 2.5hrs) F: Frequent - 34%-67% of shift (2.5-5hrs) C: Constant ->67% of shift (>5hrs) ErgoRisk 2008 Page 20 of 20