The role of the hand in manual materials handling

A sequence of studies were undertaken to clarify how the hand may be a limiting factor in manual materials handling. It was concluded that the design of an optimum handle to fit the hand is not too difficult, but that handle placement on containers is less easy to specify. A survey of box movements in several industries plus a series of laboratory experiments have shown that for most movements of box-like objects an asymmetrical handle position is best. However, for heavy, compact boxes lifted from floor level, a symmetrical handle position will minimize hand forces.