Goods fall or become damaged during lifting due to a combination of improper lifting methods, unsuitable materials, and inadequate equipment. The most immediate solution is to use the right ergonomic lifting aids, tailored to the type of goods and the work environment. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about safe lifting, from causes to maintenance.
What are the most common causes of falling objects?
Goods usually fall during lifting due to a lack of grip, improper balance, or the employee being overloaded. When a load is too heavy, too large, or too irregularly shaped for manual handling, the employee is more likely to lose control. This not only leads to damage to the goods but also to workplace accidents.
The most common causes are:
- Insufficient grip: slippery surfaces, damp packaging, or irregular shapes make it difficult to hold goods securely.
- Excessive weight: When a load exceeds an employee’s lifting capacity, the risk of dropping it increases significantly.
- Poor visibility: Large or tall loads obstruct the view, preventing obstacles on the work floor from being spotted in time.
- Fatigue: Repeated lifting without sufficient rest reduces muscle strength and concentration, which can lead to mistakes.
- No lifting aid or the wrong one: Anyone who uses an unsuitable lifting aid—or works without one at all—significantly increases the risk of accidents.
When it comes to pallet handling, the stability of the load also plays a major role. A pallet that is not stacked properly or is not wrapped can become unstable even with the slightest movement.
Which lifting aids reduce the risk of injury?
Ergonomic lifting aids such as vacuum lifters, mobile lifters, and pallet trucks reduce the risk of damage by mechanically supporting the load and minimizing human error. They ensure a controlled grip, stable transport, and precise placement, even for heavy or fragile goods.
Choosing the right tool depends on the type of item:
- Vacuum lifters: ideal for smooth, flat products such as sheets, boxes, and glass panels. They create an airtight seal with the surface, preventing the load from sliding away. For more information on vacuum lifter safety and applications, visit the product page.
- Mobile lifts: suitable for lifting heavy loads at various locations, without the need for permanent infrastructure.
- Pallet trucks: reduce the risk associated with moving pallets around the workplace, with minimal physical effort on the part of the employee.
- Pallet turners: prevent damage when turning or tilting goods, a task that is particularly risky when performed manually.
There are specialized solutions for specific applications, such as handling bags, rolls, or drums. View the complete overview of material handling applications for more context on each type of goods.
How do you choose the right lifting aid for your goods?
You should choose the right lifting aid based on four criteria: the weight of the load, the shape and surface of the object, the frequency of the task, and the available space in the workplace. By systematically weighing these factors, you can avoid a lifting aid creating a new problem instead of solving an existing one.
Follow these steps during the selection process:
- Determine the maximum weight to be lifted. Every piece of equipment has a maximum load capacity that must never be exceeded.
- Analyze the shape of the item. Flat, smooth products are well-suited for vacuum technology. Round or irregularly shaped objects require specialized grippers or clamps.
- Consider the frequency. For repetitive tasks, an ergonomic solution that reduces fatigue is more important than for occasional use.
- Measure the available space. In narrow hallways or rooms with low ceilings, compact or low-profile solutions are necessary.
- Test before you buy. By trying out a tool with your own materials, you can avoid a mismatch between the product and its intended use.
For specific material flows, such as box handling or bag handling, specialized solutions are available that go beyond a generic lifting aid.
How can you ensure the safe use of lifting aids in the workplace?
The safe use of lifting aids depends on three key factors: proper training of users, clear work procedures, and a well-organized work environment. A technically flawless lifting aid offers no guarantee if the employee does not know how to operate it correctly.
Specific measures for safe use:
- Training upon commissioning: Train employees on the specific equipment they will be using, including emergency procedures in the event of a malfunction.
- Before each use: inspect for visible damage, check the suction power on vacuum lifters, and verify that all locks are secure.
- Observe the maximum load limit: never exceed the specified load capacity, even for occasional use.
- Keep the work area clear: obstacles, wet floors, or poor lighting increase the risk of accidents during transport.
- Use the equipment for its intended purpose: a vacuum lifter for panels is not suitable for porous or wet surfaces unless the device is specifically designed for that purpose.
When is maintenance of lifting equipment required?
Maintenance of lifting equipment is required by law and must be performed periodically; the frequency depends on the type of equipment, the intensity of use, and the applicable European and national safety standards. Anyone who delays maintenance risks not only technical malfunctions but also liability in the event of workplace accidents.
In practice, the following guidelines apply:
- Annual inspection: Most lifting devices are subject to the European Machinery Directive and require an annual inspection by a certified inspection body.
- Preventive maintenance: In addition to mandatory inspections, regular preventive maintenance is recommended to detect wear and tear at an early stage.
- Documentation: All maintenance and inspections must be documented. In the event of a workplace accident, this is the first documentation that inspection agencies will request.
- Immediate action in case of defects: A device with a visible defect must not be used further until it has been repaired and re-inspected.
A maintenance contract provides long-term peace of mind. More information about the available service and maintenance options will help you determine which approach best suits your operational situation.
How Logitrans Handling Helps Ensure the Safe Lifting of Goods
Logitrans Handling offers a comprehensive approach to preventing injuries and accidents during lifting, from analysis to follow-up care. We always start from a single principle: an ergonomic lifting solution must solve a problem without creating new ones.
- Free workplace analysis: We analyze your specific lifting situation on the job site and identify the risks and areas for improvement.
- Customized solution: Based on the type of goods, their weight, and the work environment, we select the most suitable lifting aid from our extensive product range.
- Demo with your own materials: In our demo room in Drongen, you can test lifting solutions with your own goods, so you can be sure you’re making the right choice before you invest.
- Training during installation: We ensure that employees can use the new tool correctly and safely from day one.
- Maintenance Contract: With a Logitrans maintenance contract, we guarantee that your equipment will remain in optimal and safe condition through both preventive and reactive maintenance.
Would you like to know which lifting aid is best suited to your situation, or do you have questions about safe lifting in your workplace? Feel free to contact us for a no-obligation consultation.
