Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1

Manual material lifting work is known to contribute to a large percentage of musculoskeletal disorders reportedin production plants. These disorders often involve strains and sprains to the lower back, shoulders, and upperlimbs and can result in protracted pain, disability, medical treatment, and financial stress for those afflictedwith them. The companies are often affected by paying the bill, either directly or through workers'compensation insurance, while having to cope with the loss of the full capacity of their workers. Scientificevidence demonstrates that effective ergonomic interventions can lower the physical demands of manualmaterial handling work tasks, thereby lowering the incidence and severity of injuries they can cause. In thiscontext, Michelin North America, Pictou's plant has identified a significant ergonomic risk for its employeesassociated with a mixer operator post. In order to reduce this risk, height and reach considerations have to bemade where operators are lifting materials from wagons to transfer belts. As the wagons are emptied, the reachof the operator into the wagon increases, as does the ergonomic risk. Michelin is seeking NSCC's support toreview feasibility and create the design of a solution that will reduce ergonomic risks, be economical and easilymaintainable, and can be quickly implemented using standard parts. Such a potential for reducing injury-relatedcosts make the outcome of this project a useful tool for improving the company's productivity, product andservice quality, workers' morale and overall business competitiveness across North America, while contributingto help train graduates in skills to make them more employable.