Job: Head Checker Description: Tracks and directs movement of incoming and outgoing
cargo between ships, rail cars, street trucks and yard
Equipment Assessed: Various
ESSENTIAL 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
Non 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.
DESCRIPTION OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
1. TRACKING AND DIRECTING MOVEMENT 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.
� 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 IN-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 150-175 interactions per
day and each may take anywhere from 30 seconds to 2-3 minutes.
FUNCTIONAL DEMANDS with MSI POTENTIAL
���� In-gate Checker Neck
� Forward or rotated head postures may be required to view monitor and CCTV, especially if sitting slouched or too far
away from the desk.
Back
� 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.
Shoulder
� Forward or sideways reaching to access keyboard, mouse, phone or intercom can put stress on the shoulders and upper back.
� Sit close to work to avoid squinting to see monitor or CCTV.
Back � 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.
Shoulder
� 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.
� 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 CANOPY 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.
FUNCTIONAL DEMANDS with MSI POTENTIAL
���� Canopy Checker Neck � Neck 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.
Back
� 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.
Shoulder � Shoulder 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
� 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. Back extension stretches can help offset awkward back postures (see file
photos to the right).
Shoulders
� 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.
� 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.
NOTE: 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 MINIMIZE MSI
���� Rail Checker
Neck
� Avoid sustained neck flexion or extension as much as possible. � Perform neck stretches intermittently during the shift.
Shoulder � 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.
� 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.
FUNCTIONAL DEMANDS with MSI POTENTIAL
���� Yard Checker / Gopher Neck � 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.
Back
� 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 � Non-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.
� 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.
Back � 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 PENTHOUSE 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.
� 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 26-28 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.
FUNCTIONAL DEMANDS with MSI POTENTIAL
���� Ship / Tower Checker Neck
� Neck 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.
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
� 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.
Back
� 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. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
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.
� 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.
