EASE to stage third manual handling workshop at ProMat

The Ergonomic Assist Systems and Equipment Council (EASE) of Material Handling Industry (MHI) has announced a third workshop. “Engineered Solutions for Manual Handling Jobs” will take place on January 23, 2013, co-located with the ProMat trade show at McCormick Place, Chicago, Ill.

The workshop will focus on developing engineering solutions for manual materials handling (MMH) jobs in retail, wholesale, and warehousing (RWW) industries.  

The first such workshop was held in Atlanta at the MHI’s other biennial trade show, MODEX. A subsequent, smaller workshop was held in Minnesota in July in cooperation with the IIE (Institute of Industrial Engineers). Attendees at both wanted to see another meeting to continue the open discussions between the RWW and the EASE Council’s solution providers. It is hoping to draw a big audience at ProMat.

This interactive workshop will examine a new approach that places humans at the center of the design task. Worker-Centric Design, a funded research project, will be presented by Dr. Kevin Gue (pictured), Auburn University. This opening address will describe the essential elements of worker-centric design and how they can enhance productivity and shape worker experience in a DC, warehouse and backroom workplace.

Takeaways will include:

– Understanding broader industry issues;

– Learn from experts about addressing similar issues in your operation;

– Identify equipment solutions providers from 700 equipment exhibitors;

– Learn about collaborative opportunities to assist your company.

Attendees:

– Operations / safety / loss prevention representatives from the retail, wholesale and warehouse industries who believe there ought to be a better way of loading / unloading or moving materials and containers in their businesses;

– Manufacturers / vendors of MH equipment who desire to partner with one or more retail, wholesale and warehouse industries to explore and develop the next generation of MMH equipment;

– Practitioners / researchers / educators who seek to partner with businesses in implementing and evaluating MMH engineering solutions.

This interactive workshop will address the major costs that impact warehouse / store productivity, efficiency, health and safety of the employee and the company bottom line.

The EASE Council is the resource for information and equipment that focus on improving the workplace. EASE members are the leading designers and manufacturers of a broad range of innovative material handling devices, such as adjustable access platforms, balancers, containers, casters, tilters, lift tables, manipulators, pallet rotators, stackers, vacuum assist devices, platform trucks, carts, flooring technologies, workstation cranes, hoists, intelligent assist devices, racks, conveyors and order fulfilment solutions.

The workshop will take place 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Room S402a at McCormick Place. Registration fee is $150. For more information email rniemeyer@MHIA.org or phone 704-714-8710. Visit the EASE website at www.MHIA.org/EASE.