Case hooks are tools used in distribution centers by selectors to help them reach and pull products located on the back half of a pallet. This study investigated the postural, electromyographic, and usability responses as 4 handle and 3 tip types were used to pull cases forward on a pallet. The data suggest the pistol grip may be most biomechanically advantageous. With the pistol grip, the rake and conventional tips worked well and had good usability scores.
Bureau of Labor Statics (BLS) (2019). Incidence rates for nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses involving days away from work per 10,000 full-time workers by industry and selected natures of injury or illness, private industry, 2017. https://www.bls.gov/iif/oshwc/osh/case/cd_r5_2017.htm
2.
GlockC.H.GrosseE.H.NeumannP.FeldmanA. (2021) Assistive devices for manual materials handling in warehouses: a systematic literature review, International Journal of Production Research, 59:11, 3446-3469, DOI: 10.1080/00207543.2020.1853845
3.
LavenderS.A.MarrasW.S.FergusonS.A.SplittstoesserR.E.YangG. (2012). Developing physical exposure-based back injury risk models applicable to manual handling jobs in distribution centers. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, 9, 450-459.
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LavenderS.A.SommerichC.M. (2022). Identifying ergonomics best practices currently used by grocery distribution centers. https://u.osu.edu/ergonomics4grocerydc/
