International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics 35 (2005) 33–46 Work factors affecting manual materials handling in a warehouse superstore M. St-Vincent, D. Denis, D. Imbeau, M. Laberge IRSST, 505 de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montre ´ al, Que ´ bec, Canada H3A 3C2 Received 18 February 2004; accepted 13 July 2004 Available online 30 September 2004 Abstract An ergonomic analysis of the job of stocker was conducted in a warehouse superstore. The main determinant handling activity and related constraints were described. These pertain to the physical layout, containers, equi management of stocks and arriving merchandise. The simple physical layouts observed are designed to increa but do generate several physicalconstraints that were described. Product-related constraints were also documented. Manualmaterials handling activities are performed during an average of 74% of the work shift duration. During a shift, stockers perform an average of 200 handling operations and the total average cumulative weight is 2000 merchandise handled is often fragile and unstable. The pallet jack, the stockers’ only equipment, is used on av times during a work shift. Its main problem is one of incompatibility with some of the pallets used which results in either increased effort or time pressure. Stockers’ work involves significant planning related to stock movemen arriving shipments. In this regard, four problem situations were identified which generally result in additional h operations and time pressure. Results are discussed in light of the inherent characteristics of the warehouse su concept. Relevance to industry The study provides new knowledge on manual materials handling activities in an emerging sector, namely that of warehouse superstores. A proper identification and description of the determinants of the handling activities is for defining prevention activities in this sector. r 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Keywords: Handling; Warehouse superstore; Low-back pain; Stocker; Prevention ARTICLE IN PRESS www.elsevier.com/locate/ergon 0169-8141/$ - see front matter r 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. doi:10.1016/j.ergon.2004.07.005 Corresponding author. Tel.: +001-514-288-1551 E-mail address: st-vincent.marie@irsst.qc.ca (M. St-Vincent).