31

RÉSUMÉ Cet article montre comment la manutention met en jeu un ensemble complexe d’éléments perceptifs, cognitifs et physiques. Il est montré comment les modes opératoires et les stratégies permettent de répondre à un ensemble d’objectifs ainsi que l’importance des prises d’information dans le processus de manutention. Ces informations sont prises dans l’immédiat sur l’objet de déplacement, l’environnement, les capacités du manutentionnaire – afin de décider de l’action à mener – mais aussi sur le déroulement de l’action et la performance ainsi qu’à des fins de planification et de mise en place de stratégies. Il est montré comment les modes opératoires observés sont tout autant des moyens de prendre des informations que le résultat de ces prises d’information. Des pistes de prévention sont proposées.

MATERIAL HANDLING : INFORMATION AND DECISION-MAKING This paper aims to show both how the physical and cognitive dimensions of handling activities are related and how the strategies and handling methods developed make it possible to satisfy the handlers’ objectives. Its findings are based on studies of handling activities that have been conducted over a number of years, both in the field and in a laboratory environment. Handlers were observed, questioned and interviewed and the handling process and incidents were analysed. Expert and novice handlers were studied. Part II briefly presents the general framework. Part III explains the objectives pursued by handlers whilst respecting health, safety and performance. It shows that in order to protect their physical integrity, handlers must develop a modus operandi that enables them to cope with incidents and unforeseen events, whilst at the same time, meeting their goals in terms of job satisfaction. The importance of the information process (passively perceived or actively sought information) is demonstrated in Parts IV and V. The information sought by handlers seek in order to perform handling tasks is first reviewed from the point of view of four basic issues : the characteristics of the handled material (such as weight, mass centre localization, properties), work environment data, the handler’s own capacities, and his performance assessment. The importance of planning and strategies, the information needed to put these strategies in place, and the actual decision-making process are also reviewed. The last part of the paper discusses the practical implications of prevention initiatives.