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Nov 06, 2023

The Role of Robotics and Automation in Manual Handling Operations

April 3, 2023 by Mark Allinson Leave a Comment Manual Handling operations in a

April 3, 2023 by Mark Allinson Leave a Comment

Manual Handling operations in a workplace refers to the transportation or support of a load. It involves operations such as lifting, pushing, pulling, holding, or carrying objects. Manual handling might look unthreatening, but it can be harmful if performed with improper techniques.

To reduce the involvement of humans with manual lifting operations, modern workplaces have started to introduce robotics and automation. This benefits in minimizing the danger that comes with manual operations and make tasks easier.

For many years, technology has played a significant role in improving the way people work. In workplaces requiring manual handling work, technology enhances productivity and ensures the health and safety of employees.

Many businesses operate in a way where their employees are rarely safe and are at risk for injury. Thus, these organizations must take responsibility to ensure their employees remain safe.

Using technology for the health and safety of employees is not only vital for OSHA compliance. But it also brings in various benefits for the firm and saves them from various harmful consequences.

In this blog, we will discuss robotics and automation and their applications and uses in manual handling operations and highlight the importance of training that comes with it.

Robotics and automation are not the same, but they are closely related. Robotics refers to robots’ design, construction, and operation, which can perform tasks with minimal human input.

In contrast, automation is using technology to automate manual or repetitive tasks. This includes using technologies to streamline processes and reduce the need for human intervention.

The role of automation and robotics comes in very handy for manual lifting operations. By utilizing technologies to replace or supplement human labor in manual handling tasks, an employer can minimize the risk of injury and increase efficiency.

Before going any further, one must know another crucial component contributing to workplace safety and efficiency. As we said, technology was implemented in workplaces to improve safety and productivity.

Similarly, training also provides an individual with knowledge on protecting themselves from workplace hazards and improving work efficiency. Whether handling robots in the workplace or performing manual handling tasks yourself, the manual handling training course has got you covered.

These learning courses teach you the techniques to carry out manual lifting operations safely. These techniques teach proper lifting procedures when carrying out the manual lifting and how to use machines to aid manual lifting.

Ultimately, manual lifting training maximizes workplace safety and teaches employees how to perform their tasks effectively. Thus, it is the prime responsibility of an employer to provide training to their employees before they carry out any operations.

These are vehicle robots designed to move materials and products around a factory without any necessary human interaction.

They use sensors and software to navigate the facility, pick up items, and transport them to their destination. AGVs can be programmed to work in various environments and handle loads of different weights and sizes.

Designed to operate objects with precision and accuracy. They are often used in manufacturing and assembly operations to lift, move, and position parts.

Robotic arms can be programmed to perform complex tasks and can handle loads of various shapes and sizes. They can also come in handy in such hazardous environments where human life could be in danger.

Palletizing systems can be programmed to work with various kinds of pallets. These are machines that stack and organize products onto pallets for shipment.

They are used in manufacturing and distribution operations where there is a need to ship large quantities of goods. They can handle products of all shapes and sizes.

Perhaps the most common type of machine used in many workplaces’ facilities. Conveyor belts are used to transport goods and materials around a facility. They are frequently used in logistics, manufacturing, and distribution processes to move goods from one place to another.

Pick and place robots are commonly used in manufacturing and assembly operations to move parts between production. Pick and place robots are designed to pick up products or materials and move them to another location. They can handle different types of shapes and sizes.

Many warehouses deal with fragile and sensitive objects in their daily work tasks. Humans can always be prone to error, so using manual force to handle these objects can be dangerous. So that's where robots play a crucial role in ensuring these items are moved accurately and carefully.

Moving heavier and bulky loads rapidly is an everyday activity in many warehouses. Automated forklifts or robots can deliver objects faster, even the heaviest of loads. This operation usually requires a trained professional specializing in manual operatives, such as forklifts.

Cleaning robots come in handy in workplaces such as healthcare facilities, commercial buildings, and other industries where maintaining cleanliness is vital. Cleaning robots performs the task of cleaning a facility's floors, walls, and other surfaces.

These robots can be programmed to work in any environment. They can even handle hazardous substances that an average human cannot.

Packaging items or boxes is an everyday activity in many warehouses. Compared to a human, a packaging robot can operate much faster and more accurately. These robots are commonly used in manufacturing and distribution operations to prepare a product for shipment.

Almost all warehouses involve lifting operations in their workplace. The use of robotics and automation is common in those workplaces where lifting operations are performed more frequently.

With the help of robotics and machines in workplaces, there comes a set of regulations to ensure lifting equipment is safe and adequately maintained.

Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulation focus on preventing accidents and injuries that can occur when lifting equipment is used improperly or is not maintained correctly.

Automation and robotics in a workplace may require little human interaction. Still, robots or machines with irregular work patterns may need more human involvement.

A trained person could guide the device to perform various tasks smoothly and efficiently. With this comes the need for a qualified person to operate these machines carefully.

LOLER training is a learning course that educates individuals with the necessary guidance and knowledge to handle such complicated devices.

A LOLER training covers numerous topics, from the selection and use of lifting equipment to the inspection and maintenance of the lifting equipment.

It is common sense that a machine would also need maintenance and repair with time. LOLER training also teaches how to properly look after a device and perform risk assessments to analyse the threats before carrying out your work.

Look, this lifting equipment can create a dangerous situation in the workplace if mishandled or used by an unprofessional. Therefore, it is vital to provide the workers with the required knowledge, and the responsibility of doing so falls on the shoulder of the employer.

In conclusion, the role of robotics and automation in manual lifting operations is becoming popular in today's time in many workplaces.

Implementing robotics and automation has numerous benefits, such as increased productivity and safety. But with it comes the need for trained professionals who can handle such machines with safety and efficiency.

This blog has described some robotics and automation applications in manual handling operations and their benefits and disadvantages. LOLER training is a type of training that will help an individual by educating them with the necessary knowledge required to handle such advanced machines with care.

Overall, the primary purpose of such training is to promote workplace safety and train an individual to become competent enough to perform their work.

Filed Under: Logistics Tagged With: automation, employees, equipment, handle, handling, human, lifting, machines, manual, operations, robotics, robots, role, safety, tasks, technology, training, work, workplace, workplaces