By
Auréanne Ferssiwi
19 Feb 25
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3
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Frequently asked questions
Does sliding a load rather than carrying it reduce physical strain?
This can significantly reduce physical strain. In an order picking study, sliding products rather than carrying them reduced average muscle strain from 53% to 48%, and by up to 15% for the most heavily used muscles. The benefits depend on the weight, the height at which the item is picked, and the workstation layout.
How does this differ from an assessment based on observation?
Observation remains essential for understanding work. However, it is difficult to use it to quantify muscular effort or to make precise comparisons between dozens of different activities. Sensors and video analysis provide these measurements. We always cross-reference them with activity analysis and discussions with the operators.
What is the link between manual handling and MSDs?
Manual handling is a leading cause of musculoskeletal disorders (such as lower back pain, tendonitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome). Aggravating factors include the weight of the load, repetitive motions, awkward postures, and the height at which items are handled.
How can you reduce the risk of MSDs during manual handling?
The regulatory priority is to act at the source: reduce unit weight, provide mechanical aids (hoists, lift tables, manipulators), improve working heights, and limit travel while carrying loads. Training in proper handling techniques is a supplement, not a replacement.
How are employees involved in the process?
Participation in the measurements is voluntary. Sensors are worn during normal work activities, and data is processed with the participants' consent, in accordance with GDPR. Employees are then involved in reviewing the findings and identifying solutions.
At its site in Mer, France, Kuehne+Nagel called on MOTEN to prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among its order pickers. Five operators wore sensors for two days. Picking emerged as the priority task, and 33 solutions were identified, 19 of them classified as priorities.
A proactive site looking to protect its order pickers
Kuehne+Nagel, one of the world's leading transport and logistics companies, operates 56 sites in France, including the one in Mer (Loir-et-Cher). Aware of the physical challenges of logistics work, the site called on MOTEN Technologies to prevent MSDs and improve working conditions for order pickers.
Two objectives were set for this assignment:
- analyse the order pickers' activity in detail to identify the issues;
- put in place concrete solutions to improve their daily work and reduce occupational risks.
A detailed analysis of physical demands
Our experts followed 5 order pickers for two full working days. Each operator was equipped with 6 sensors on the arms, shoulders and lower back. This technology allowed us to segment the volunteers' activity and identify the most demanding tasks.
The measurement results show that:
- so-called “low value-added” tasks account for 12% of working time but generate significant effort and awkward postures;
- picking is the priority task to improve: it requires high effort and makes up a significant share of the activity;
- the type of products handled plays a key role in physical demands: some increase effort, others force awkward postures;
- handling techniques directly influence physical load: one of the techniques identified could avoid up to 30 unnecessary handling operations per day per operator.
Concrete solutions to prevent MSDs
Drawing on its expertise in biomechanical analysis, MOTEN Technologies identified 33 solutions to improve working conditions:
- 3 technical solutions to automate or improve certain tasks;
- 16 equipment solutions to adapt equipment to operators' needs;
- 14 organisational solutions to optimise workflows and working methods.
Of these solutions, 19 were classified as priorities based on their feasibility, ergonomic impact and implementation cost. This structured approach ensures effective actions that can be deployed quickly.
Client testimonial: turning perceptions into objective data
“I am satisfied with the project and the results obtained. I particularly appreciate being able to turn operators' perceptions into concrete, measurable data thanks to the data collected. It gives very visual results that are accessible to everyone.” Inmaculada Ayago, QSHE Manager, Mer site
Would you like to objectively assess the physical demands of a workstation in your organisation? Contact the MOTEN team.
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