Staffing: Each head checker works alone on his duties although there may be other checkers working around him depending on the location.

Transcription

1 Job: Head Checker Description: Tracks and directs movement of incoming and outgoing Equipment Assessed: cargo between ships, rail cars, street trucks and yard Various ESSETIAL DUTIES 1. Tracking and Directing Movement of Cargo A) In-gate Checker B) Out-Gate Checker C) Canopy Checker D) Rail Checker E) Yard Checker /Gopher F) Penthouse Checker G) Ship/Tower Checker on Essential Duties: Keep work areas clean and tidy Shift Schedule: All of the head checker positions are dispatched for an 8hr shift. There are two 8 hr shifts from 8am-4:30pm and 4:30pm-1am with a 30 minute lunch break and two 10 minute coffee breaks. There is also a graveyard shift of 6.5 hrs from 1am-8am with a 1/2hr lunch break. Certain checkers may work only part of the shift depending on the nature of the work. For example, the rail checker goes home when his work is done and the tower checker works 4-6hrs owing to the higher stress level of the job. Typically yard, in-gate, out-gate and canopy checkers only work day shift. Other checkers may work all 3 shifts depending on the activity in the yard. Staffing: Each head checker works alone on his duties although there may be other checkers working around him depending on the location. DESCRIPTIO OF ESSETIAL DUTIES 1. TRACKIG AD DIRECTIG MOVEMET OF CARGO Frequency Work done constantly for the duration of the shift but hours worked per shift may vary depending on the type of checker, as mentioned above. ErgoRisk 2008 Page 1 of 15

2 Equipment Varies depending on the type of checker the following are examples of the different types of equipment used: computer, radio, intercom, paper, pen, chalk, LXE hand held computer, binoculars, and pick up truck. Task Description The head checker keeps track of all incoming and outgoing cargo moving to, from and around the yard. They also direct loading and unloading to and from ships, rail cars and street trucks, and they instruct dock gantry, RTG and Bombcart drivers as to what containers to pick up and move where. They also make sure that documentation is up to date and accurate on the status and location of all containers in the yard. They designate the row and block where containers are delivered to and picked up from and they maintain ongoing tallies on the existing product in the yard. Head checkers basically manage the flow of all product into and out of their terminal. The different head checkers have responsibility for different aspects of this process as described in the remainder of this JDA. A I-GATE CHECKER Equipment Computer, intercom, phone Duration up to 9 hours Frequency Constant Force Minimal Task Overview In-gate checkers keep track of trucks and containers coming into the yard. The work is performed indoors, seated in front of a computer. In-gate checkers input information from the trucks including container number and seal number into the computer. In-gate checkers speak with the truck drivers through an intercom and they can also view the trucks on a closed circuit camera. The in-gate checker also provides allocation information for picking up and dropping off containers. The workload varies and at times trucks are arriving non-stop and at other times of the day the workload may be very light. On average an in-gate checker may perform interactions per day and each may take anywhere from 30 seconds to 2-3 minutes. FUCTIOAL DEMADS with MSI POTETIAL In-gate Checker eck Forward or rotated head postures may be required to view monitor and CCTV, especially if sitting slouched or too far away from the desk. Lumbar spine rounds when sitting which places increased stress on the discs and other spinal tissues. This is exacerbated if chair is not properly adjusted. Increased C-curve from slouching or forward hunching places increased mechanical stress on the back. Static use of back muscles from sitting for extended periods can increase fatigue. Forward or sideways reaching to access keyboard, mouse, phone or intercom can put stress on the shoulders and upper back. ErgoRisk 2008 Page 2 of 15

3 Elbow/Wrist on-neutral wrist postures when typing, mousing or using intercom can stress the structures in the wrist and forearm. Over-gripping the mouse can fatigue the wrist and forearm muscles. STRATEGIES TO MIIMIZE MSI In-gate Checker eck Keep neck in neutral spinal alignment by avoiding forward head postures. Sit close to work to avoid squinting to see monitor or CCTV. Adjust chair to provide good seated support before starting work each day. Take frequent standing breaks to stretch the low back and walk around during periods of down time. Sit close to the front edge of the desk to avoid reaching or leaning to access keyboard and mouse. Keep phone, intercom and other frequently used equipment close to the front of the desk to reduce reaching to access it. Support arms on the chair armrests when working to reduce workload for the shoulder and upper back. Elbow/Wrist As much as possible, keep wrist straight when working and avoid bending wrist up backwards and avoid repetitive sideways wrist movements when using the mouse. During periods of inactivity in front of the computer rest on the side of the hand (palm facing sideways) to further reduce stress to the wrist and forearm. B OUT-GATE CHECKER Equipment Computer, printer, pen, paper Duration up to 8 hours Frequency Constant Force minimal Task Overview Out-gate checkers keep track of trucks with containers that are leaving the yard, empty chassis trucks are not checked. The work is performed indoors in a small booth primarily in front of a computer. Drivers leave their trucks and bring paperwork to a window in the booth. The out-gate checker verifies the container number visually and the seal number against the paperwork and information in the computer. If necessary corrections are made to make sure trucks are leaving the yard with the correct load. Out-gate checkers print the interchange on an adjacent printer and sign and give a copy to the driver. ErgoRisk 2008 Page 3 of 15

4 Out-gate checkers may stand or sit when they are working although they are frequently up and down during the shift. The workload varies and may be non-stop at times and extremely slow at other times. On average 400 trucks are checked each day and each interaction takes 30 seconds to 1 minute. FUCTIOAL DEMADS with MSI POTETIAL Out-Gate Checker eck eck rotation, flexion or extension when looking out the window to view a container number can put stress on the structures in the neck. Rounded upper back and forward head posture from sitting hunched at the computer can put stress on the neck and upper back. Reaching excessively far forward with unsupported arms when accessing printer or other equipment can also stress the upper back and neck. Lumbar spine rounds when sitting which places increased stress on the discs and other spinal tissues. This is exacerbated if chair is not properly adjusted. Increased C-curve from sitting slouched or standing with forward hunching posture places increased mechanical stress on the back Forward reaching to access keyboard, mouse, printer or paperwork can put stress on the shoulders and upper back. Reaching sideways to pull interchange off the printer, or reach other equipment can put stress on the shoulder joint and adjacent structures. Elbow/Wrist Repetitive awkward or twisted wrist postures when pulling papers off the printer or using mouse/keyboard can put stress on the structures in the wrist and forearm. STRATEGIES TO MIIMIZE MSI Out-Gate Checker eck Keep neck in neutral spinal alignment by avoiding forward head postures. Sit close to work to avoid squinting to see monitor. Adjust chair to provide good seated support before starting work each day. Stand and turn body to access the printer rather than leaning and reaching from a seated position. ErgoRisk 2008 Page 4 of 15

5 Sit close to the front edge of the counter to avoid reaching or leaning to access keyboard, mouse and paperwork. Keep phone, radio and other frequently used equipment close to reduce reaching to access it. Elbow/Wrist As much as possible, keep wrist straight when working and avoid twisting or bending wrist when pulling papers from the printer or using the mouse or writing. During periods of inactivity in front of the computer rest on the side of the hand (palm facing sideways) or relaxed hands in lap to further reduce stress to the wrist and forearm. C CAOPY CHECKER Equipment Paper, pen, computer, radio, phone Duration up to 8 hours Frequency Constant Force minimal Task Overview The canopy checker confirms that information provided to the in-gate checker by the truck drivers is correct and also visually checks the condition of the container. The canopy checker prints information provided by the in-gate checker and walks to the rear of each truck to visually confirm the container number and seal number. If there is an inaccuracy, the canopy checker contacts the in-gate checker to correct the information. For trucks that are entering the yard for pick up the canopy checker confirms the yard allocation information of the container and he/she also confirms a spot is allocated for containers being received for export. Once information is confirmed or corrected the canopy checker signs the bottom of the interchange, gives a copy to the driver and files the rest in the booth. The workload varies and at times might be non-stop and at other times might be very slow. A chair is available outside the booth for the canopy checker to use during periods where that are no trucks entering the yard. FUCTIOAL DEMADS with MSI POTETIAL Canopy Checker eck eck rotation, flexion and extension may be required to view seal numbers and container numbers on loaded trucks. These postures can put stress on structures in the neck. Bending and twisting of the back may be required to lean across trailers to try to read the seal number. This can put stress on the structures in the back. elevation and reaching may be required to lean across trailers to check the seal. Hips/Knees/Ankles Frequent walking and stepping on and off curbs is required to move between the canopy booth and lanes of trucks. This can fatigue structures in the lower extremities. ErgoRisk 2008 Page 5 of 15

6 STRATEGIES TO MIIMIZE MSI Canopy Checker eck/ Stretch the neck and back muscles often to allow tissue recovery resulting from awkward postures. Try tucking the chin to place the neck in proper alignment with the spinal column. Hold the stretch for 20 seconds. extension stretches can help offset awkward back postures (see file photos to the right). s As much as possible, keep elbows close to the side of the body when working to reduce stress to the shoulder joint. When leaning and reaching to check seal use underhand or sideways grip to further reduce stress to the shoulders and arms. D RAIL CHECKER Equipment Chalk, hand-held computer Duration up to 8 hours Frequency Constant Force Body weight with 3-point contact Task Overview Rail checker is responsible for checking containers that enter and leave the yard via rail car. For newly arrived containers the rail checker enters container numbers, and car numbers into a hand held computer and checks the tare weight. The rail checker chalks voyage numbers on the outside of containers for export and also chalks if the container is empty. This information is used by equipment operators when unloading the containers. Some checkers choose to climb up on the rail car to chalk the upper container but they can also chalk only on the bottom container and use arrows to indicate which notation is for each container. As containers are loaded onto rail cars for distribution the checker drives his pick up truck along the side of the row of cars verifying container numbers and entering the information into the computer. There is more time stress associated with this position than with the other head checker jobs, however once the work is completed the rail checker s shift is over. FUCTIOAL DEMADS with MSI POTETIAL Rail Checker eck Static neck flexion occurs when looking down at handheld computer this can put stress on the structures in the neck. eck extension is required when looking up to view container numbers or chalk above head height on containers. Reaching above shoulder height is necessary to chalk high up on containers. The shoulder and forearm muscles must work to pull the operator up, or lower him down when climbing up on or down from rail cars. ErgoRisk 2008 Page 6 of 15

7 Hip/Knee/Ankle Moderate hip flexion is required when stepping up to or down from the bottom step of the rail car. Possibility for high impact force exists if the rail checker jumps down when descending the rail car. This can put stress on the structures around the knee and ankle. Other Descending from the rail car facing forwards can increase the risk of slipping or tripping and is high risk behaviour. OTE: As mentioned previously rail checkers are not required to climb up on rail cars, although many choose to do so. They can chalk the contents of both containers on the outside of the lower containers and use arrows to indicate which is which. STRATEGIES TO MIIMIZE MSI Rail Checker eck Avoid sustained neck flexion or extension as much as possible. Perform neck stretches intermittently during the shift. Chalk containers as low as possible to reduce the need for shoulder elevation and overhead reaching. Keep the arm close to the side of the body and stand close to the container to reduce forward reaching. If opting to climb up on rail cars, hold lower on the handles to reduce the degree of above shoulder reaching when ascending/descending rail cars. Push off with toes of lower foot to assist in ascending the first step and reduce arm pull forces required to pull self up. Hip/Knee/Ankle If opting to climb up on rail cars, support the upper body when descending the vehicle to reduce force demands required on the legs. Control speed of descent from the car to minimize possibility of high impact force. Do not jump down. Other If opting to climb rail cars to check or chalk upper containers, maintain 3 point contact and face the car when ascending/descending rail cars. E YARD CHECKER / GOPHER Equipment Binoculars, hand-held & vehicle computer, clipboard Duration up to 9 hours Frequency Constant Force Minimal Task Overview Yard checkers/gophers are responsible for maintaining and updating the status of containers in the yard. ErgoRisk 2008 Page 7 of 15

8 When product enters or leaves the yard, or is moved around overnight, the gopher updates the location and status of the containers in the yard. He/she makes sure containers end up where they are designated to go and updates allocation information. If a container is lost or misplaced the gopher may be responsible to find it, and they also check tare weights and update the status of whether containers are loaded or empty. Information is updated either on a hand-held computer (LXE) or on a vehicle mounted computer and it is the gopher s preference as to which he uses at which time. Gophers may drive through the yard and update information while sitting in their truck or they may be required to walk between the rows of containers in order to see the container numbers, in which case the information is typically updated on the LXE. Gophers may use binoculars to help see top container numbers when they are stacked 4 or 5 high. Twice a day gophers also check the temperature on refrigeration units (reefers) and they may also perform miscellaneous tasks such as setting out cones to identify container locations for heavy lift trucks to pick up or drop off. FUCTIOAL DEMADS with MSI POTETIAL Yard Checker / Gopher eck Repetitive and static neck extension is required when walking between rows of containers and looking up to get container numbers. This can put stress on the structures in the neck. Gophers also look down frequently when entering information into their LXEs or vehicle computers. Lumbar spine rounds when sitting, as occurs in the truck, which places increased stress on the discs and other spinal tissues. Twisting or side bending postures stress spinal tissues such as when looking out the window or twisting to use on-board computer. Wrist/Hand on-neutral wrist postures may be used to operate the on board computer and this can stress the structures in the wrist and forearm. Repetitive thumb movements are required to operate the LXE hand-held computer which increases stress to the structures of the thumb. ErgoRisk 2008 Page 8 of 15

9 STRATEGIES TO MIIMIZE MSI Yard Checker / Gopher eck Stretch the neck muscles often to allow tissue recovery resulting from awkward postures. Try tucking the chin to place the neck in proper alignment with the spinal column. Hold the stretch for 20 seconds. As much as possible turn body rather than twisting the neck for viewing containers and on-board computer. Adjust truck seat for best fit before starting work each day. Avoid sitting for prolonged periods, instead get out of the truck and walk to check container information periodically. This will allow a change of posture and reduction of stress to spinal tissues. Wrist/Hand Avoid using LXE hand-held computer constantly when working in the truck. Alternating between using LXE hand-held (which requires repetitive thumb activity) and using the on-board computer which requires different postures and muscle use, will help reduce the build up of stress in the wrists and thumbs. Avoid extended or twisted wrist postures when using the on-board computer. As much as possible keep wrists straight and elbows bent when working. Perform wrist and forearm stretches after prolonged periods of time using either computer. F PETHOUSE CHECKER Equipment Computer, radio, phone Duration up to 8 hours Frequency sustained Force Minimal Task Overview Penthouse checkers are responsible for the drop off, pick-up and movement of containers within the yard. They are in constant radio contact with RTG and heavy lift truck operators telling them what containers to pick up and move or load where. Penthouse checkers work in offices seated in front of 2 computer monitors for the duration of the shift. Keyboard and particularly mouse use are limited but penthouse checkers are regularly viewing onscreen information. The workload varies and at times the checkers are busy non-stop juggling several transactions via phone, radio and computer and at other times there is very little to do. There are 4 different penthouse desks, each with a different area of responsibility: Imports: Coordinates movement of imported containers that will be leaving the yard on street trucks for delivery. Exports: Coordinates loaded containers that are arriving on street trucks to be exported by ship. Decking: Coordinates movement of loaded containers that arrive in the yard by rail. Empties: Coordinates movement of empty containers either being received into the yard by street truck or being delivered out from the yard for loading at an external facility. ErgoRisk 2008 Page 9 of 15

10 FUCTIOAL DEMADS with MSI POTETIAL Penthouse Checker eck Forward or rotated head postures may be required to view monitors or speak into radio especially if sitting slouched or too far away from the desk. Static neck flexion or extension may also occur if monitors are not positioned at an appropriate height (top of work screen roughly at eye level). Lumbar spine rounds when sitting which places increased stress on the discs and other spinal tissues. This is exacerbated if chair is not properly adjusted. Increased C-curve from slouching or forward hunching places increased mechanical stress on the structures in the spine. Static use of back muscles from sitting for extended periods can increase fatigue. Forward or sideways reaching to access keyboard, mouse, phone or radio can put stress on the shoulders and upper back. Elbow/Wrist on-neutral wrist postures when typing, mousing or using intercom can stress the structures in the wrist and forearm. STRATEGIES TO MIIMIZE MSI Penthouse Checker eck Keep neck in neutral spinal alignment by avoiding forward head postures. Sit close to work to avoid squinting to see monitor or leaning to speak on the radio. Adjust chair to provide good seated support before starting work each day. Take frequent standing breaks to stretch the low back and walk around during periods of down time. Photos from in-gate showing Sit close to the front edge of the desk to appropriate behaviours. avoid reaching or leaning to access keyboard, mouse, radio or phone. Keep phone, radio, keyboards, mice and other frequently used equipment close to the front of the desk to reduce reaching to access it. Support arms on the chair armrests when working to reduce workload for the shoulder and upper back. ErgoRisk 2008 Page 10 of 15

11 Elbow/Wrist As much as possible, keep wrist straight when working and avoid bending wrist up backwards and or sideways. During periods of inactivity sit back from the computer and rest on the side of the hand (palm facing sideways) or rest hands in lap to further reduce stress to the arms and hands. G SHIP / TOWER CHECKER Equipment Paper, pen, radio, phone Duration up to 6 hours Frequency Constant Force Minimal Task Overview The tower checker is responsible for coordinating loading and unloading of ships. They work from a tower booth installed in a lower section of the dock gantry and must have a clear view of the dock, ship, gantry and comings and goings of bombcarts at all times. There is a lot of moving around and twisting and looking out windows to keep track of the activity. The tower checker is constantly on the radio talking to the dock gantry operator, RTG operators, bombcart drivers and others. On average he performs one to three 15 second radio communications for each container that is loaded or unloaded. On average containers may be unloaded or unloaded per hour. The tower checker also checks container numbers and makes sure everything reconciles with the import destination sheet and unloading sequence checklist for imports and the export sequence plan list for exports. He does a lot of writing keeping track of the activity. FUCTIOAL DEMADS with MSI POTETIAL Ship / Tower Checker eck eck rotation, flexion and extension may be required to view operations or use the radio. These postures can place stress on the structures of the neck. Rounded upper back and forward head posture from sitting hunched at the workstation can put stress on the neck and upper back. Lumbar spine rounds when sitting which places increased stress on the discs and other spinal tissues. Static use of back muscles from sitting for extended periods can increase fatigue. Twisting or bending postures stress spinal tissues such as when looking behind or leaning to see out of window. Knee/Ankle Walking up and down several flights of stairs to tower cab can be fatiguing for the quadriceps muscles and can put stress on the knee joint. Impact force may be present if tower checkers descend the stairs rapidly and this can stress structures around the knee and ankle. ErgoRisk 2008 Page 11 of 15

12 STRATEGIES TO MIIMIZE MSI Ship / Tower Checker eck Stretch the neck muscles often to allow tissue recovery resulting from awkward postures. Try tucking the chin to place the neck in proper alignment with the spinal column and then rotate the head to one side or the other. Hold the stretch for 20 seconds. As much as possible turn body rather than twisting neck for viewing operations. Keep radio close to minimize degree of neck flexion and hunching to use it. As much as possible, avoid sitting for extended periods of time to minimize static use of back muscles. Take the opportunity to stretch or walk during scheduled breaks to restore blood flow to the spinal tissues. Minimize stress to the back by sitting all the way back in the chair and rolling and turning the chair to move about the booth rather than twisting and leaning body. Rather than twisting and leaning from a seated position, stand if necessary to view operations. Minimize hunched sitting posture by taking the time to adjust seat for best fit. Reverse forward hunching postures by performing shoulder squeeze stretches often (see picture at right). Knees/Ankles Hold handrail when ascending or descending stairs. Control rate of descent to reduce stress to the knees and ankles. 2. EVIROMETAL COSIDERATIOS Exposure to Elements The rail checker and gopher are outside in the yard and exposed to the elements for the duration of their shift. The canopy checker is under cover of the canopy and protected from rain or snow, but is outside so may be exposed to temperature extremes. The penthouse, tower, in-gate and out gate checkers are inside a climate controlled building or booth and are protected from the elements for the duration of the shift, with the exception of the tower checker who is outside when climbing the stairs up and down from the tower booth. ErgoRisk 2008 Page 12 of 15

13 Uneven Surfaces Rail checker and gopher are walking in the yard and may be required to step over rails or on uneven pavement. They also drive frequently over uneven pavement or rails although the pick up truck typically has good suspension so the jolting is limited. Canopy checker frequently steps on and off curbs as he/she walks between the lanes of traffic but the pavement is typically smooth and well maintained. For penthouse, tower, in-gate and out gate checkers uneven surface are not an issue, they are walking on an indoor floor or in the case of the tower checker a floor, catwalk grating and stairs. Vibration The rail checker and yard checker are exposed to whole body vibration when driving their pick up trucks. Vibration is not an issue for the other head checkers. Other When the dock gantry is in operation there is some sway and motion for the tower checker inside the booth. The degree of motion is typically low as the tower booth is well below the height of the crane itself, but some motion does occur. ErgoRisk 2008 Page 13 of 15

14 3. PHYSICAL DEMADS SUMMARY TABLE FOR CAOPY, RAIL & YARD CHECKER Job Demands Max. Weight/ Avg. Weight (Kg) Duration per exposure h=hrs s=secs, m=mins Frequency Comments STREGTH POSTURE & MOBILITY EVIROMET Lifting/Carry <5lbs 1-15m Push/Pull F Carrying hand held computer for rail and yard checker and paper invoices for canopy checker Supporting Body Weight <5s O On/off rail cars for rail checker only Gripping / Handling 8hrs C Steering wheel in truck (yard & rail only), pen papers, computer, radio, phone Fine Motor Skills <2m O Entering information into handheld computer, writing Sitting V Occasional for canopy, during down time only and frequent for yard or rail inside their trucks Driving V ever for canopy and frequent for yard and rail Standing <1m F Checking container numbers and seals, standing to chalk on containers (rail only) Walking < 1m F Between truck and booth (canopy), along rail cars (rail) between container rows (yard) Bending/ Stooping <1m R Checking something down low Sustained Crouch/Kneel Climbing Stairs Climbing Ladders <5s V ever for yard and canopy and occasional for rail climbing on/off cars Crawling Balancing <5s V ever for yard and canopy and occasional for rail climbing on/off cars Throwing Overhead Reach <10s V ever for yard, and occasional reaching up to check a seal (canopy), chalking high on container (rail) Exposure to Elements V Freq for rail and yard and constant for canopy who is outside all day (but under cover of the canopy) Uneven Surfaces V Driving or walking over gantry rails or uneven pavement areas for yard and rail and never for canopy Proximity to moving objects Vibration (upper extremity) V Constant for canopy (arriving trucks), Freq for yard and rail (other vehicles, lift trucks, gantries, rail cars) Vibration (whole body) V Freq for rail & yard inside the truck, never for canopy ErgoRisk 2008 Page 14 of 15

15 4. PHYSICAL DEMADS SUMMARY TABLE FOR I-GATE, OUT-GATE, PETHOUSE AD TOWER CHECKER Job Demands Max. Weight/ Avg. Weight (Kg) Duration per exposure h=hrs s=secs, m=mins Frequency Comments STREGTH POSTURE & MOBILITY EVIROMET Lifting/Carry Push/Pull Supporting Body Weight <5m V Rare for tower going up/down stairs, never for others Gripping / Handling 8hrs C Pen, paper, mouse, radio, keyboard, phone, intercom Fine Motor Skills <5m F Writing, typing, using mouse (except for tower than has no computer) Sitting V Constant for penthouse and ingate, frequent for tower and outgate as these checkers move around a lot Driving Standing <30s V ever for penthouse & ingate, occ for tower and out gate to view things not visible when sitting Walking <10s V ever for penthouse and ingate, occasional for tower and outgate, moving around in booth/cab Bending/ Stooping <1m V Occ for outgate and tower to see something out window, never for penthouse and ingate Sustained Crouching/ Kneeling Climbing Stairs <5m R Tower only to climb up/down from booth, others never Climbing Ladders Crawling Balancing Throwing Overhead Reach Exposure to Elements <5m V When climbing up/down from booth for tower only, all others never Uneven Surfaces Proximity to moving objects Vibration (upper extremity) Vibration (whole body) Frequency Ratings: : ever R: Rare - ot daily or up to 1% of shift (<5mins/day) F: Frequent - 34%-67% of shift (2.5-5hrs) O: Occasional - 1%-33% of shift (up to 2.5hrs) C: Constant ->67% of shift (>5hrs) ErgoRisk 2008 Page 15 of 15