Warehouse Workers Research Articles

Introducing Economics Students to Marxist Political Economy: Mental and Physical Health in the Workplace

Introducing economics students to Marxist political economy (MPE) can be a challenging endeavor, especially as there is often limited space in the curriculum. Given this constraint, it can be difficult to know where to start and how to best do justice to the complexity and depth of Marx’s work. Students can find MPE daunting, approach the topic with a range of preconceptions, and find it hard to see the immediate relevance. This case study of our teaching practice illustrates how we have approached this issue by introducing students to MPE with an application to physical and mental health in the workplace. By starting with students’ own experiences of work, we help them unpack how and why the workplace is structured in the way it is. Initial discussions about the workplace, including about situations in which students have tried to avoid doing work, enable some initial theoretical categories to be developed, such as the distinction between labor and labor power, as well as other observations about how their workplaces are organized to extract labor from them, and the unequal rewards from the output of the work that they do. This provides a way into a more formal theoretical presentation of MPE, but one that is rooted in the lived experience of students. We then look at the implications and effects that the labor process has on physical and mental health (which Marx documents in Capital volume 1) using case studies from across the globe, including Amazon warehouse workers in the United States and United Kingdom, and textile workers in India. By teaching MPE in this way, we aim to demonstrate how the logic of capitalism imposes itself on the workplace and shapes daily life, and we hope this can inspire students to explore Marx’s work further. JEL Classification: I2, P1

The Militarization of Employment Relations: Racialized Surveillance and Worker Control in Amazon Fulfillment Centers

Through a socio-structural analysis, we examine contemporary forms of labor control faced by Black warehouse workers in the southern United States. Grounding our research in critical industrial relations theory and centering our analysis in the counter-narratives of Black workers at an Amazon warehouse in Bessemer, Alabama, we examine the impact of intensified military-style tactics in the modern workplace, contextualized by historical and regional legacies of racialized labor exploitation, policing, and bodily control.

Evaluation of Stuffing Out in the Warehouse PT. Lyon Oceanic Trans Surabaya

This study aims to evaluate the obstacles causing delays in the stuffing out process at the warehouse of PT. Lyon Oceanic Trans Surabaya. The research method used is a qualitative approach by collecting data through observations and in-depth interviews with warehouse workers and managers. The results show that the delay in stuffing out is caused by several main factors, namely the late delivery of goods from customers to the warehouse and the lack of support tools such as forklifts, thus relying only on human labor. The conclusion of this study indicates the need for increased efficiency in the delivery of goods as well as the addition of facilities and equipment in the warehouse to expedite the stuffing out process.

Ergonomic Risk Assessment and Mitigation Strategies for Retail Workers: Insights from a Case Study in Dungun

Manual handling activities contribute to 40% of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), leading to long-term discomfort, disability, medical costs, and financial hardships for workers, while employers face lower productivity and compensation costs. An ergonomic assessment was conducted among employees at ABC Hardware in Dungun to identify ergonomic risk factors, determine the likelihood of harm affecting workers' musculoskeletal health, and recommend control measures to improve workers' health and well-being. Utilizing a combination of interviews, observations, and questionnaires based on established ergonomics guidelines, the research highlights the prevalence of MSDs among workers engaged in manual handling tasks, emphasizing the need for ergonomic interventions and awareness to enhance workplace safety and employee well-being. Findings from the ergonomic assessment revealed significant discomfort and risk factors related to awkward postures, repetitive motions, forceful exertion, and static positions. Specific ergonomic issues identified include discomfort in the upper back, thighs, and knees among storekeepers, and neck and lower back pain among warehouse workers. Service desk representatives were found to experience discomfort related to static postures and repetitive motions. The study recommends advanced ergonomic assessments such as Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA), Occupational Repetitive Assessment (OCRA), and Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), along with improvements in ergonomic practices and tools. Implementing job rotation, providing ergonomic equipment, and conducting training on proper lifting techniques are essential to address the identified risks. This research highlights the critical role of ergonomic practices in preventing MSDs and improving overall workplace safety.

Designing Digital Twin with IoT and AI in Warehouse to Support Optimization and Safety in Engineer-to-Order Manufacturing Process for Prefabricated Building Products

Engineer-to-order manufacturing, characterized by highly customized products and complex workflows, presents unique challenges for warehouse management and operational efficiency. This paper explores the potential of a digital twin as a transformative solution for engineer-to-order environments in manufacturing companies realizing prefabricated building components. This paper outlines a methodology encompassing users’ requirements and the design to support the development of a digital twin that integrates Internet of Things devices, Building Information Modeling, and artificial intelligence capabilities. It delves into the specific challenges of outdoor warehouse optimization and worker safety within the context of engineer-to-order manufacturing, and how the digital twin aims to address these issues through data collection, analysis, and visualization. The research is conducted through an in-depth analysis of the warehouse of Focchi S.p.A., a leading manufacturer of high-tech prefabricated building envelopes. Focchi’s production processes and stakeholder interactions are investigated, and the paper identifies key user groups and their multiple requirements for warehouse improvement. It also examines the potential of the digital twin to streamline communication, improve decision-making, and enhance safety protocols. While preliminary testing results are not yet available, the paper concludes by underlining the significant opportunities offered by a BIM-, IoT-, and AI-powered digital twin for engineer-to-order manufacturers. This research, developed within the IRIS project, serves as a promising model for integrating digital technologies into complex warehouse environments, paving the way for increased efficiency, safety, and ultimately, a competitive edge in the market of manufacturing companies working in the construction industry.

Examining the impact of knowledge, supervision, and work fatigue on unsafe actions among warehouse workers

Unsafe actions are dangerous behaviors that can cause work accidents, resulting in injury or death. Warehouses are high-risk areas for such incidents due to the presence of unsafe actions during work processes. This study aims to explore the relationship between knowledge, supervision, and work fatigue with unsafe actions among warehouse workers at PT Cipta Krida Bahari Samarinda. This quantitative study employs a cross-sectional design, with a sample size of 50 workers using the total sampling technique. The independent variables are knowledge, supervision, and work fatigue, while the dependent variable is unsafe action. Data analysis utilized univariate and bivariate (chi-square) methods. Results indicated that 54 percent of workers engaged in unsafe actions, 60 percent had good knowledge, 56 percent reported good workplace supervision, and 54 percent experienced fatigue. Bivariate analysis showed no significant relationship between knowledge (p=0.203) and work fatigue (p=0.168) with unsafe actions. However, a significant relationship was found between supervision (p=0.019) and unsafe actions. It is recommended that the company enhance supervision practices and enforce strict penalties for violations to minimize unsafe actions among workers.

Methodology for Designing Spatial Layout of a Warehouse in the Context of Sustainable Development

Theoretical background: The literature analysis focuses on the importance of spatial design of warehouses, especially the retrieval zone. Research shows that warehouse layout has a key impact on operational efficiency, especially in manual order picking. The authors discuss various approaches that are mainly aimed at minimizing the average distance traveled by warehouse employees when picking orders. Other studies also include warehouse workers’ movements and operations planning. The authors note that existing research focuses mainly on operational efficiency, ignoring social and environmental aspects. Hence, there is a need to develop a methodology that will take into account these additional aspects of designing a sustainable warehouse. Purpose of the article: The article in the context of scientific research aims to present the methodology of designing a spatial warehouse system in terms of sustainable development. In a practical context, a tool for assessing the effectiveness of sustainable design was developed. Research methods: A case study was chosen as the research method. Observation and interviews with employees were used. These methods allowed for a better understanding of the analyzed issue and occurring phenomena. In addition, the methods used allowed to verify the developed method of spatial design of the warehouse in terms of sustainable development. Main findings: By achieving scientific and practical goals, the article can contribute to promoting sustainable design in business and architectural practice and contribute to building a more sustainable and effective work environment.

Ergonomic Risk Assessment of Warehouse Workers in the Courier Service Industry: A Case Study from Kuantan, Malaysia

The global surge in demand for courier services has introduced both benefits and challenges. Courier workers face immense pressure to handle large volumes of orders, leading to increasing cases of health and occupational injuries. The lack of ergonomic interventions in their work highlights the urgent need for ergonomic assessments in the courier industry. In Malaysia, current ergonomic risk assessments for warehouse courier workers are insufficient, making it essential to identify prevalent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and determine the associated risk factors and levels posed by their daily tasks. This study aimed to address this gap by conducting ergonomic risk assessments among 35 warehouse workers using the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ), the Initial Ergonomic Risk Assessment (ERA) Checklist, and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA). Three different work tasks were observed: scanning and sorting, tiered storage and stacking, and load unloading. The findings revealed that lower back pain was the most common ailment (14.5%), followed by hip pain (8.39%) and neck pain (7.89%). The tiered stacking storage activity posed the highest ergonomic risk, with identified risk factors including awkward postures, static and sustained activity, and repetitive tasks. The REBA analysis indicated a very high-level risk for tiered stacking storage, necessitating immediate ergonomic interventions. These findings contribute to the field of ergonomics and provide valuable insights for safety practitioners, ergonomists, researchers, and academicians in occupational safety and health and the courier service industries.

Bortom servicefronten. E-handelsarbetets platser och ojämlikhetsmönster

The digitalization of retailing is restructuring consumption as well as retail work. Unlike front-line service work in stores, online retail work is defined by indirect service work at a distance from customers at warehouse sites. The rapid pace of change means that knowledge about online retail workplaces and its employees is still fragmentary. Empirically drawing on Swedish national statistics and an ongoing study of five online retail warehouses, this article explores intersections of online retail warehousing, gender and racialization, and meanings of place therein. National statistics show that online retail employs more men and more foreign-born than retailing in general. While retailing is dominated by small workplaces, online retail warehouses are either small or large and the proportion of women and Swedish-born is lower at the larger warehouses than the small ones. Occupational data show that the proportion of women and foreign-born people is significantly lower among online retail managers than among warehouse workers. Further nuances are provided by the qualitative insights from the five studied warehouses. Almost only women worked in the two smaller warehouses, which was explained by references to the nature of the work. At the larger, more gender-balanced warehouses, examples of segregation between employees of the same category were found, as was the importance of place for hierarchies between workers and managers. More so, the study makes evident that place matters also for the boundary making around and between online retail workplaces, especially in relation to racialization processes. While inequality, place and work in retail stores are about conditional access to employment, in online retail warehouses the matter seems to be more about how certain bodies’ lack of mobility and opportunities in the labor market at large left them “stuck” in online retailing.

Sleep duration and quality in permanent night work: an observational field study

PurposePermanent night workers conceivably show better adaptation of circadian rhythms to night work than shift workers and therefore better possibilities of obtaining sufficient sleep of good quality after night shifts. We investigated the effect of night shifts including number of consecutive shifts on sleep among self-selected permanent night workers, and studied if the effect of night shifts differed between morning and evening types and compared with 3-shift workers.MethodsThe study population included 90 permanent night workers followed for 14 days (warehouse workers, 1228 observation days, 80% males). For comparison, we included 70 3-shift workers followed for 26 days (police officers, 1774 observation days, 100% men). Total sleep time (TST), primary sleep duration (PSD), and sleep efficiency were assessed by actigraphy. Measures of sleep quality and diurnal type were self-reported.ResultsAmong permanent night workers, TST, PSD, difficulties falling asleep, disturbed sleep, and the number of awakenings decreased after night shifts compared with days without night work. Sleep efficiency, difficulties awakening, and non-refreshing sleep increased. More consecutive night shifts were associated with shorter TST and PSD. Sleep outcomes did not differ by diurnal type. Permanent night workers had fewer awakenings after night shifts than 3-shift workers, but no other differences were observed.ConclusionThis study does not provide evidence that supports recommendation of permanent night work to reduce adverse effects of night shifts on sleep. A limited number of consecutive night shifts is recommended to reduce accumulation of sleep debt.

Inventory Management System

For organizations that handle transactions involving consumer goods, an inventory management system is critical for quality control. A huge retail store could run out of supply of a critical item if inventory is not properly managed. When it’s time to reorder, an effective inventory management system will notify the retailer. This inventory management system is also useful for tracking huge shipments automatically. Counting each pair of stocks by hand will almost certainly result in a mistake. The risk of human error can be reduced by using an automated inventory management system. An Inventory Management System also aids in the tracking of retail product theft, providing useful information regarding store revenues and the need for theft-prevention devices. Scanning a barcode on the item or a barcode scanner is how Automated Inventory Management Systems function. The central computer system then keeps track of this data. The purchase order can also include a list of items that need to be pulled for packaging and shipping. In this situation, the Inventory Management System can perform a range of tasks. It can assist a warehouse worker in locating things on an order list, encoding shipment information such as tracking numbers and delivery addresses and removing purchased items from the inventory tally to maintain a correct count of in-stock items. All of this information works together to give firms real-time inventory tracking data. The simple search in a database makes it easy to find and look at inventory information in real-time.The inventory management system project abstract tells the overall function of the software. It consists of the reason why the project was proposed and the solutions made to answer the needs of the targeted users. To enlighten you with this, here’s the Inventory Management System Project Abstract

Impact of workplace exercise program in the musculoskeletal symptomatology of warehouse workers: randomized control trial

In industrialization sector, musculoskeletal disorders are very frequent and can be considered as one of the main problems. They are associated with pain, discomfort, and functional limitations. Exercise programs can improve the symptomatology and daily life activities. Aims: Evaluate the impact of a 21-month exercise program on musculoskeletal symptoms reports of warehouse workers. Methods and Materials: This study was a randomized controlled trial based on CONSORT guidelines. Sample was 249 male workers, randomized in two groups (96 intervention and 124 control group). The Portuguese version of Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to evaluate the musculoskeletal symptomatology at baseline (M0), after 11 months (M1) and after 21 months (M2). The flexibility, mobility and strengthening exercises were executed at the beginning of the working time, once a day, lasting eight minutes. The data were analyzed in SPSS® 25.0 for Windows® (p<0.05). Results: We verify a higher prevalence of problems in different body regions at both groups. The most common symptom, with higher proportion across all variables, was the low back region, followed by the neck, in both groups Most symptomatology was low back region in both groups before intervention. In the intervention group, was verify decrease of symptoms, “problems in the last 12 months”, at M0/M1 (p=0.005) and M0/M2 (p=0.021); “limitations in the last 12 months”, at M0/M1 (p=0.004) and M0/M2 (p<0.001); and “problems in the last 7 days”, at M0/M1 (p=0.017) and M0/M2 (p=0.02). In the control group was verified an increased symptoms at M0/M2 (p=0.038) in “problems in the last 12 months”. Conclusions: It can be concluded that the implementation of a 21-month workplace exercise program contributes to decrease the report of low back symptoms of warehouse workers.

Protocol for an observational study of working conditions and musculoskeletal health in Swedish online retail warehousing from the perspective of sex/gender and place of birth.

European and International sustainable development agendas aim to reduce inequalities in working conditions and work-related health, yet disparate occupational health outcomes are evident between both men and women and domestic- and foreign-born workers. In Sweden, major growth in online retail warehousing has increased occupational opportunities for foreign-born workers. The rapid change has left research lagging on working conditions, i.e., employment conditions, facility design, work organisation, physical and psychosocial work environment conditions, and their effects on worker health. Further, no known studies have considered patterns of inequality related to these factors. The overall aim of this study is to describe working conditions and musculoskeletal health in online retail warehousing, determine the extent to which differences exist related to sex/gender and place of birth (as a proxy for race/ethnicity), and examine factors at the organisational and individual levels to understand why any differences exist. Three online retail warehouses, each employing 50-150 operations workers performing receiving, order picking, order packing and dispatching tasks will be recruited. Warehouses will, to the extent possible, differ in their extent of digital technology use. Employment conditions, facility design (including digital tool use), work organisation, physical and psychosocial work environment conditions and worker health will be assessed by survey, interview and technical measurements. Analysis of quantitative data stratified by sex and place of birth will consider the extent to which inequalities exist. Focus group interviews with operations employees and in-depth interviews with managers, union and health and safety representatives will be conducted to assess how employee working conditions and musculoskeletal health are related to inequality regimes of sex/gender and/or race/ethnicity in organisational processes and practices in online retail warehousing. The study is pre-registered with the Open Science Framework. This study will describe working conditions and health in online retail warehouse workers and consider the extent to which patterns of inequality exist based on sex/gender and place of birth.

Lightweight active back exosuit reduces muscular effort during an hour-long order picking task

Occupational back exoskeletons and exosuits aim to reduce low back injuries in the workplace. For these technologies to be adopted, it is important that they provide biomechanical benefits to the wearer and do not disrupt job performance. To address this challenge, here we developed a lightweight, soft, active back exosuit that can autonomously control virtual impedance to apply differing assistance during lowering and lifting. In usability tests, participants rated the exosuit as easy to learn and use and reported feeling confident while wearing it. In an experiment involving an hour-long order picking task we demonstrated that the exosuit reduced peak and median muscle activations in the back by 18% and 20%, respectively. Despite the complexity of the movements required, such as walking, bending, and navigating around obstacles while lifting boxes from under a rack, our controller demonstrated impressive robustness with only 14 mistriggers out of 9600 lifts (0.1%). The results of this research suggest that active exosuit technology has the potential to be a highly usable solution to aid warehouse workers in real-world settings.

Revitalizing warehouse management to enhance global manufacturing competitiveness: insights from South Africa

Company operations and global trade necessitate storage. Warehouse management is essential for meeting customer expectations, ensuring product availability, and delivering globally swiftly and affordably. A company's international competitiveness can suffer from warehouse instability. This study assesses warehouse performance for competitive advantage. The report also explores top management's disregard for warehouse management's impact on manufacturing competitiveness. This paper reviews warehouse management system research from several industries. Reviewing literature for gaps and flaws. Quantitative methods include industrial specialized surveys. Three varied South African manufacturing enterprises will be case-studied. Deduction is used to analyze industry expert consultation data. Due to its accessibility and data collection suitability, convenience sampling was employed to choose participants. This study discovered many warehouse management issues in South African industrial firms. Integration and automation are lacking in current systems, hampering global competitiveness. Warehouse movements and infrastructure damage increased without zone selection. Technology-illiterate warehouse workers slowed operations. The study offers zone picking, warehouse training, and warehouse system integration and automation to address these difficulties. South African industrial firms should strengthen warehouse management systems, according to this study. These organizations can enhance operational efficiency, save money, and compete globally with the suggested changes. Zone picking, warehouse system integration, and worker technical training can alleviate challenges and provide companies an edge. This study highlights warehouse management's often overlooked significance in manufacturing competitiveness. International organizations can do better by studying warehouse management system problems and solutions. Practical warehouse management advice from this study increases South African industry competitiveness.

Trusting and Working with Robots: A Relational Demography Theory of Preference for Robotic over Human Co-Workers

Organizations are facing the new challenge of integrating humans and robots into one cohesive workforce. Relational demography theory (RDT) explains the impact of dissimilarities on when and why humans trust and prefer to work with others. This paper proposes that RDT would be a useful lens to help organizations understand how to integrate humans and robots into a cohesive workforce. We proposed a research model based on RDT and examined dissimilarities in gender and co-worker type (human vs. robot) along with dissimilarities in work style and personality. To empirically examine the research model, two experiments were conducted with 347 and 422 warehouse workers. Results show that the negative impacts of gender, work style, and personality dissimilarities on swift trust depended on the co-worker type. Gender dissimilarity had a stronger negative impact on swift trust in a robot co-worker, while work style and personality had a weaker negative impact on swift trust in a robot co-worker. Also, swift trust in a robot co-worker increased the preference for a robot co-worker over a human co-worker, while swift trust in a human co-worker decreased such preferences. Overall, this research contributes to our current understanding of human–robot collaboration by identifying the importance of dissimilarity from the perspective of RDT.

Human Factors on the Road: Truck Drivers’ Heterogeneity in Distribution

While human factors in warehousing have received considerable attention in recent years, they remain largely underexamined in transportation. This is surprising, given that truck driver shortage and load space scarcity are recent key challenges in the logistics industry that significantly hamper the growth potential of European economies. While increasing demand for loadspace meets a decreasing availability of professional truck drivers, managers across all industries need to think about how scarce human resources can be deployed more efficiently. Therefore, the goal of this study is to quantify truck drivers’ heterogeneity in retail distribution. We formulate and apply a mixed-effect multilevel regression model where delivery routes are nested within truck drivers. The model is applied to a unique empirical dataset, including N = 51,164 routes performed by 218 truck drivers in a six-month time frame in 2021, obtained in collaboration with a German brick-and-mortar grocery retailer. We find that truck drivers’ heterogeneity accounts for 29.9% of the total route duration time variation. This impact is significantly higher compared to existing empirical research on the quantification of heterogeneity for warehouse workers and proposes a higher potential for transport managers to increase efficiency in collection and distribution by taking into account driver heterogeneity in tour planning and allocation.

Xanthomas in A Warehouse Worker: A Case Report

Background: Xanthomas are visible external lump that appears on the body. Xanthomas are not tumors, instead, they are collections of foam cells that develop within the skin’s connective tissue, tendons and layers beneath the skin. These formations are significant indicators of disorders in lipid metabolism and are frequently seen in individuals with hypercholesterolemia. This case report describes the case of a male patient who worked in a warehouse with xanthomas and analyzes the relationship between his disease and work.Case Presentation: A 38-year-old man presented at a referral hospital in August 2023 with multiple yellowish elevated masses over the palm of the hands, sole and over the dorsum of the foot. The size of the masses varied between 0.5×0.5×0.5 cm (over the palm of the hands and sole), 1,5x1,5x0,5 cm and 2x1,5x1 cm(over dorsum of the foot) (Figure 1). The patient is accustomed to consuming fatty foods, coffee and alcohol. The patient presented with an elevated level of cholesterol and triglycerides. The patient had symptoms of discomfort and pain,which were due to the large size of the masses.The patient worked in a warehouse and encountered numerous potential hazards. Upon further examination, the patient was diagnosed with xanthomas. Excisional biopsy were performed to remove the massive xanthomas from the palm, sole and dorsum of the foot.Discussion: The process of confirming an occupational illness necessitates following a seven-step method, which considers factors such as clinical diagnosis, individual, and other exposures outside of work. However, in this instance, no work-related, personal, or external environmental elements linked to xanthomas were identified.Conclusion: There is no substantial evidence that occupational exposures as a warehouse worker cause or exacerbate the patient’s diagnosis of xanthomas. Very high cholesterol and triglycerides remain the main contributing factors to the diagnosis.

Moderating effects of resilience on the relationship between self-leadership and innovative work behavior

This study aimed to examine the moderating effects of resilience (RES) on the association between self-leadership (SEL) and innovative work behavior (IWB) of employees. The study sample consisted of 250 warehouse workers in the logistics business. Prior to data collection, the questionnaire's validity and reliability were evaluated, and hierarchical regression analysis was utilized to investigate the direct and moderating effects. SEL was found to have a positive connection with IWB, whereas RES had a statistically significant moderating influence on the relationship between SEL and IWB. The employee RES should be encouraged and supported. Employers must create, train, and encourage workers to cultivate SEL and RES and adapt to work problems. Together, these characteristics will enable employees to express IWB. Human resource departments must be cognizant of the growing impact of SEL and encourage RES to assist employees in achieving higher IWB.

Effects of consecutive workdays and days off on low back pain, fatigue and stress: prospective cohort study among warehouse and construction workers

ObjectivesLimited knowledge exists about day-to-day changes in physical and mental symptoms in warehouse and construction workers. This study investigated the associations between consecutive workdays and days off with low back...