Manual material handling (MMH) is an everyday activity in the logistics sector. However, lifting, transporting or moving heavy objects without the proper precautions can have serious consequences for the health of workers and, therefore, imply certain risks for your company’s operations.
In this article, we will explain what NOM-036-1-STPS (The Mexican ergonomics standard) is about, what is the maximum weight a person can lift according to this regulations, and we will talk about how to optimize your logistics operations and guarantee the safety of your employees.
How does NOM-036-1STPS interfere with logistics?
The Official Mexican Standard NOM-036-1 STPS establishes the guidelines to identify, prevent and control ergonomic risk factors associated with the manual material handling in the workplace. In other words, this standard seeks to protect the health of workers by establishing safety measures for activities that involve lifting, transporting or moving objects manually.
By pointing out specific weight limits, lifting techniques and ergonomic practices to minimize the risk of injury among workers, NOM-036-1 STPS represents both challenges and opportunities for the logistics sector. On the one hand, it requires a reengineering of processes to minimize manual material handling and optimize the use of mechanical equipment. But on the other hand, it opens the door to innovation and the implementation of technological solutions that improve efficiency and safety in operations.
What is the maximum weight a person can lift? Manual material handling limits
While the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does not have a single, fixed maximum weight limit for manual lifting, when conducting operations in Mexico there are certain criteria that must be considered.
According to NOM-036-1-STPS, the maximum weight that a person can carry varies according to gender, age and other physical factors, since it’s different for men and women, as well as for people under 18 and over 45.
Generally, young men can lift heavier loads than women or older people. However, there may be certain exceptions that must be justified with a medical certificate.
Although NOM-036-1-STPS does not provide an exact table with maximum weights for each situation, it does establish the general criteria to determine what the ideal weight would be. The following table shows an approximation based on these guidelines:
| Gender | Age (years) | Approximate maximum weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Female | Under 18 | 7 |
| Female | Between 18 and 45 | 20 |
| Female | Over 45* | 15 |
| Male | Under 18 | 7 |
| Male | Between 18 and 45 | 25 |
| Male | Over 45* | 20 |
In addition to gender and age, the frequency with which the activity is performed, the distance the load is transported and environmental conditions also influence a person’s load capacity. Therefore, it is essential to carry out a detailed ergonomic assessment to determine the specific load limits for each job and each worker.
Consequences of non-compliance with NOM-036-1-STPS
Failure to comply with NOM-036-1-STPS has consequences that affect both workers and companies. First, it puts the health and safety of employees at risk, causing injuries, illnesses and absenteeism. At the same time, it exposes companies to administrative sanctions or lawsuits.
In addition to the direct consequences, non-compliance with the standard can lead to other problems such as:
- Decreased productivity: work-related injuries and illnesses reduce workers’ productivity and increase production costs.
- Difficulty attracting and retaining talent: companies with poor occupational health and safety practices have difficulty attracting and retaining the best talent.
- Incorrect handling of transported products: if workers do not receive adequate training and do not use the correct techniques for handling loads, the merchandise is more likely to suffer damage from impacts, falls or crushing.
Best practices for manual material handling
A compliant manual material handling process requires both the implementation of preventative measures and the use of correct lifting techniques. Some best practices for companies in the logistics sector include:
- Automate processes. By implementing automated cargo storage and retrieval systems, as well as automated transfer systems, it is possible to significantly reduce the need for manual handling.
- Optimize routes. When talking about routes, it is also important to analyze the flow within the warehouse or cargo terminal itself. When planning internal routes, it is possible to minimize the distances traveled by workers and reduce physical effort.
- Train staff. Providing ongoing training programs to employees is essential so that they know the correct lifting and handling techniques, and adapt to new processes.
Railport: a multimodal cargo terminal that complies with regulations
At Railport, we offer comprehensive logistics solutions designed to optimize your operations and reduce occupational risks. We invest in lifting and transport equipment that eliminates the need for your employees to handle heavy loads, reducing the risk of injury and increasing efficiency in operations such as transfer or cross docking.
By complying with regulations, we not only ensure the safety and well-being of our employees, but we also optimize our operations and increase our efficiency. Contact us today to discuss your project!
