Abstract

Accidents resulting in back injuries are common in the peat sector and are usually caused by falls of cube-shaped bags of peat weighing 30-52 kilograms each. Although the bags are wrapped in plastic and are difficult to grip, it is common for them to be moved or thrown by a single worker.

This project will design and test a conveyor system that will eliminate the need for workers to repeatedly lift bags of peat, and consequently reduce accidents and injuries. Following consultation with management and workers, a prototype will be designed and presented to the company.

In order to ensure its acceptance by industry, the system will have to be both simple and inexpensive, and have no adverse effect on performance.