Avoiding Back Strain and Repetitive Motion Injuries in Drum Handling
Back strain and repetitive motion injuries are a significant concern for workers in industries where handling 55-gallon drums is common. These drums are heavy, unwieldy, and difficult to maneuver without the proper equipment, creating a high risk for injury. In fact, many workers have been injured while manually moving drums, resulting in not just personal pain but also operational setbacks—lost time, potential contamination of drum contents, or even dangerous spills.
The Risks of Manual Drum Handling
Handling heavy drums manually presents an immediate risk to worker safety. A single incident can lead to:
- Severe back strain: Moving heavy objects without proper support can easily lead to pulled muscles, herniated discs, or worse.
- Repetitive motion injuries: Consistently performing the same movements without ergonomic support puts workers at risk for chronic pain, including carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis.
- Spills and contamination: Dropping or mishandling a drum can result in dangerous chemical spills, contamination, or loss of valuable materials.
- Operational downtime: Injuries on the job lead to worker absences, loss of productivity, and potential regulatory consequences.
The more drums a worker handles, the higher the cumulative risk becomes. Over time, even workers who avoid major incidents may develop long-term injuries from repetitive motion and strain.
Purpose-Built Solutions: Improving Ergonomics and Safety
To minimize these risks and improve safety in drum handling, Morse Manufacturing offers purpose-built solutions designed with ergonomics in mind. Ergonomics is the science of designing equipment and workspaces to reduce strain on the body. For drum handling, this means providing tools that reduce the need for workers to exert excessive force, bend awkwardly, or perform repetitive motions that put them at risk for injury.
Two of the most effective solutions for safer drum handling include:
- Morse Drum Trucks: These trucks are specifically designed to improve the ergonomics of moving 55-gallon drums. Rather than relying on manual strength to lift and move these heavy drums, Morse Drum Trucks provide mechanical support, allowing workers to move drums more easily while reducing the strain on their backs and arms.
- Clamp+Go™ Dolly Handle: This innovative tool is designed for use with drum dollies, making it easier and safer to push or pull drums across the floor. By attaching the Clamp+Go™ Dolly Handle to a dolly, workers gain better control over drum movements, minimizing the need for awkward bending and reducing the risk of repetitive motion injuries.
Drums Too Heavy for People to Handle Safely
While it may seem that manually moving a few drums here and there is manageable, the weight and size of a 55-gallon drum—particularly when full—make it far too heavy for safe handling without assistance. The risk of injury is simply too high, and the consequences too severe.
By investing in purpose-built drum handling equipment, companies can drastically reduce the risks their workers face. Not only does this protect employee health, but it also ensures operational efficiency, reducing the potential for downtime due to injuries and lost productivity.
Keep Your Workers Safe
The safety of your workers is a top priority, and investing in ergonomic equipment like Morse Drum Trucks and Clamp+Go™ Dolly Handles is a proactive step toward reducing back strain and repetitive motion injuries. These tools are designed to meet the needs of modern workplaces, ensuring that drums are moved safely, efficiently, and without undue strain on your team.
When drums are too heavy for people to handle safely, using the right equipment is not just a good idea—it’s essential for maintaining a safe and productive work environment.
Morse Manufacturing is committed to providing ergonomic drum handling solutions that help you avoid injury, improve efficiency, and keep your employees safe. Contact us today to learn more about how our drum trucks and dolly handles can enhance your operations.
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