Vacuum Lift Assist with Gorbel Workstation Crane System

Gorbel products love to show up in all types of material handling applications. How about a dog food plant. Check out this workstation crane with a vacuum lifting device.

The customers problem was their employees were twisting and pushing the 45# product onto a conveyor many times per day. For any of you who have picked up a 45# weight that is one heavy piece of meat. The customer was seeking a more efficient way to pick up these slabs.

The customer decided on a vacuum tube lift assist device with an ergonomic Gorbel workstation crane. The employees can now move the product thru the process and not run out of steam mid shift. The employees are happy and the employer is ecstatic as they came up with a very cost efficient solution. Productivity is up and back and shoulder injuries are a thing of the past.

Many plants still have workers manually handling material. This is unsafe and is not cost effective. One injury can cost as much as several of these systems.

For more information please contact us at sales@ergonomicpartners.com or view additional equipment at www.ergonomicpartners.com.

Humantech Ergonomics Seminar in London

Humantech is a very well respected ergonomics consultancy business in the US. They will be teaming up with System Concepts to provide a seminar in late October. This should be a very good educational opportunity for those of you in Europe.

New Ergonomics Seminar Will Help Businesses Improve Productivity

London, United Kingdom, September 24, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Ergonomics consultancy System Concepts has teamed up with Humantech to present their acclaimed Applied Industrial Ergonomics seminar in London next month.

The two day public course will provide delegates with the skills and tools they need to make simple and effective ergonomic improvements in an industrial environment. Delegates will learn how to make practical, cost-effective changes that result in:

· operational excellence
· improved morale
· reduced injuries and illness

Humantech is the largest workplace ergonomics consulting firm in the United States. James Mallon, their vice president explains “Our straightforward approach emphasises hands-on problem-solving methodologies which enable delegates to recognise, evaluate, and control ergonomic risk. When applied in an industrial environment this will drive down risks, injuries and their associated cost, increasing both productivity and morale among staff.”

The course will benefit anyone interested in improving health, safety and productivity including:
· Health and safety professionals
· Ergonomics committees
· Facilities and manufacturing engineers

The first public seminar will be held on the 27th and 28th October 2009 at System Concepts’ central London office. Details of the course content, costs and how to book are on the System Concepts website or call them on 020 7240 3388.

Leslie Fountain, joint managing director of System Concepts concludes, “Humantech has developed a worldwide reputation for outstanding ergonomics education programmes. We are delighted to be working with them delivering best ergonomic practice to businesses across Europe.

We will be offering the course in-house to clients from November and anticipate running further public seminars throughout 2010.”

For further information please contact Ali Everett on 020 7240 3388 or email ali@system-concepts.com

Links: www.system-concepts.com

www.humantech.com

If you have ergonomic concerns in the USA give us a call at 314-766-4578, or drop us a note at sales@ergonomicpartners.com

Custom Inspection Jig

This custom inspection jig is used to rotate an automotive part 360 degrees while moving down a conveyor. This unit is integrated with the customers conveyor and several other custom lift devices provided by Ergonomic Partners. This is completely air operated. The customer has over 15 of these units in service.

If you have a custom lifting or handling application contact us at 314-766-4578 for an on-site visit or drop us a line at sales@ergonomicpartners.com. You can also visit our website at www.ergonomicpartners.com to see more lifting devices and material handling case studies.

Custom HVAC Lift Assist Manipulator

Problem: Customer was lifting heavy coils coming off a coil bender by hand. The parts weighed up to 90 pounds which required 2 operators to pick up the parts to load them onto the base of the HVAC unit. This required the operators to lift the heavy coil over their heads in order to set down the part. This application was a constant source of shoulder and back injuries.

Requirement: Allow one operator to lift the coils and load onto the base unit without heavy lifting or awkward working postures.

Solution: Using a pneumatically powered manipulator, we were able to grip the coil coming off the bender and lift them up, over, and back down onto the frame of the refrigeration unit. Because the coils were easily damaged, large gripper pads were utilized to in order to spread out the grip force. Because the part had to travel close to 30 inches in order to load onto the base, the lift assist was equipped with two sets of controls. This allowed the operators to consistently maintain a good ergonomic position at pick up and set down.

Custom pneumatic manipulator with pneumatically actuated grip to pick up HVAC coils weighing up to 90 pounds. The lifting device has two sets of controls to consistently maintain good ergonomic posture.

Result: The customer was able to lift the part with one operator safely. The manipulator helped maintain task time, reduce injury, and free up an operator in the area to help out with other areas of production.

Contact Ergonomic Partners for assistance with your ergonomic applications. We solve problems!

Custom Industrial Positech Manipulator

This is a custom Positech manipulator provided to pick up and rotate large studs. These parts are gripped away from the center of gravity and rotates the part. This customer came to Ergonomic Partners with a very difficult application due to the weight of the part and low headroom application. The Positech World manipulator is designed for loads of up to 440# with extended reach.

Ergonomic Partners worked with Positech to come up with a turnkey solution. We can provide a custom lifting device for your hardest applications.

To see more applications see www.ergonomicpartners.com or give us a call at 314-766-4578 for help with your application.

Custom Lifting Device For Box Handling

Ergonomic Partners provided this custom box lifting device for a large manufacturer in the Midwest. It is integrated with a Gorbel G-Force zero gravity lifting device. The boxes weigh in excess of 100# and were very awkward to handle. The customer had been using a vacuum tube lifter but they were not as smooth, fast or precise as the compressed air lift assist.

The operators move the boxes from a conveyor and palletize them at a rate of 5 per minute. They operators are very happy as they are not wrestling with the old lift assist. The customer is experiencing better productivity as well as less product damage.

If you have a custom lifting application let us know and we can schedule an on-site demonstation of the Gorbel G-Force zero gravity lifter. We also consider vacuum lift tubes, balancers, or hoists depending on your exact application.

Contact us at 314-766-4578 or sales@ergonomicpartners.com

Ergonomic Partners on Facebook

Check out our Facebook page which will have our latest projects and products.

Will Michigan Follow California And Have An Ergonomics Standard?

Michigan Chamber of Commerce is concerned about Michigan's economic future if a mandatory ergonomics standard is put into place. Read on for more information.

MICHIGAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE APPLAUDS WORKPLACE SAFETY EFFORTS, URGES MIOSHA TO TAKE A STAND AGAINST JOB-KILLING ERGONOMICS RULE

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Chamber of Commerce today commended the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) for its "Take a Stand Day" to provide one-on-one consultations with employers to identify ways to effectively address health and safety issues in the workplace, without fear of citations or fines.

"We are pleased that MIOSHA is willing to partner with Michigan job providers to help them improve the safety and health in work environments," said Wendy Block, Director of Health Policy and Human Resources for the Michigan Chamber. "We agree with MIOSHA that having an effective system to reduce workplace injuries and illnesses is an important part of being successful in today's global economy.

That said, Block stated that job providers would be better served if MIOSHA and the Granholm administration redirected their energy on creating a healthy regulatory environment and halted promulgation of the proposed California-style ergonomics standard.

"It is unfortunate that MIOSHA and the Granholm administration feel these cooperative efforts are not enough and continue to pursue harmful over-regulations of job providers that will severely injure Michigan's economic competitiveness," remarked Block.

"If the Granholm administration truly wants to provide assistance to job providers, they will take a stand against the proposed state ergonomics standard,” said Jim Holcomb, Vice President of Business Advocacy and Associate General Counsel for the Michigan Chamber, who added that the proposed regulatory mandate is “unclear, burdensome and likely to cost Michigan businesses – large and small – hundreds of millions of dollars and increase job losses across the state.”

“We should not follow California as the only other state to impose a mandatory ergonomics rule,” said Block.

"We all agree that employers have a responsibility to provide its employees with a safe workplace,” Holcomb commented. “We encourage MIOSHA to continue utilizing programs, such as 'Take a Stand Day,' to ensure that employers and employees are working together to improve job safety without damaging our economic climate.”

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce is celebrating its 50th year as a statewide business organization, now representing more than 7,000 employers, trade associations and local chambers of commerce. The Michigan Chamber was established in 1959 to be an advocate for Michigan’s job providers in the legislative, political and legal process. It is only one of four state chambers of commerce in the nation accredited by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

If you have ergonomic lifting issues then contact www.ergonomicpartners.com or sales@ergonomicpartners.com

Overhead Crane Handling Granite, Gorbel Style!

Granite Handling Application

With the increase of granite countertops, the need for handling them has been on the increase for several years. With the recession it has been even more important to do this economically. This is a perfect application for a Gorbel workstation crane.

The Problem these customers face is the slabs of granite are very large. Each can weigh up to 850#. Many of these facilities do this job with a forklift with attachments, but in this case it was even worse! The customer was moving from a storage rack onto a cart, rolling the cart into the facility and then 3 people were needed to lift the slab into the machine where it is cut and then moved to another station to be edged and finished. Wow! This is an accident waiting to happen.

The customer fabricates countertops using granite, marble as well as other natural stones. In this application, workers at a new facility need to move huge slabs of granite from station to station through the various stages of the fabrication process. In the past many of these fabrication facilities have gone to large overhead cranes with a runway structure and footing. Well, Gorbel is an option that should be looked at if you are watching your dollars.

The solution for the customer was a 43' Gorbel Freestanding Work Station Crane System with 2 bridges and a custom end effector.

Why is this a great solution?

1. Reduction in manpower-only one worker is now needed, not 3.

2. Less Damage to product. The vacuum lift assist disperses the load to the whole slab and does not point load the part.

3. Less worker fatigue-the workers go home without having lifted thousands of pounds.

4. Productivity increase-25% more productivity

5. The operators love it!

If you need to handle stone or any other material, let us give your workers a hand. Drop us a line at sales@ergonomicpartners.com, or call 314-766-4578.

More Information on Ergonomic Rules by the Government

A Return to Ergonomics Rule-Making?

According to recent media reports, President Barack Obama’s choice for Labor Secretary, Hilda Solis (Democrat - Los Angeles, CA), confirmed February 24, 2009, is expected to promote a much more active and engaged workplace safety regime at OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration). With regard to a national ergonomics standard, Ms. Solis is on record for both her strong support associated with the 2001 ergonomics rule-making effort and anger involving its repeal by then-President George W. Bush. Of the specific rule-making efforts rumored to be put back on track from the Bush Administration include the following:

1. An ergonomics rule to protect workers from repetitive motion injuries.
2. Regulating exposure to beryllium (used in dental work, aerospace and computers and is associated with lung disease).
3. A revision of the Permissible Exposure limits – a list of more than 400 toxic chemicals that has not been revised in about 40 years.
4. Regulating the levels of silica, tiny fibrous material in cement and stone dust that cause lung disease and cancer.
5. Regulation of hazardous exposure to ionizing radiation in mailrooms, food warehouses, hospitals and airports.

Turning back our focus to ergonomics rule-making, according to Rob Hotakainen of the Sacramento Bee, California is the only state that forces employers to take action and there is already talk of using the state’s ergonomic rules as a national model. Recent statements from President Obama further strengthen the rumors surrounding future enforcement rule-making activity. In a written response to questions from the Charlotte Observer (Charlotte, NC) specifically with regard to poultry workers late last year, Obama said OSHA “must attack this problem with all of the tools at its disposal – regulations, enforcement, training and compliance assistance.”

Source(s):

Hotakainen, R, (2009). Obama could restore ergonomics work rules. Sacramento Bee, 2/24/09.
Sammon, R. and Craver, M.L. (2009). Obama administration to shift regulatory approach. The Kiplinger Letter, 2/5/09.

NC State and U of T Form Partnership

Southeastern OSHA Training Institute Education Center is being formed.

NC State University partners with University of Tennessee to form Southeastern OSHA Training Institute Education Center

North Carolina State University and the University of Tennessee have partnered to provide training throughout the states in Region IV. They provide the US Department of Labor OSHA Outreach Training Program, OSHA's primary means of training employees in the basics of occupational safety and health. Train-the-trainer courses are available in topic areas such as construction, general industry, disaster site and maritime. The Ergonomics Center will be providing a Principles of Ergonomics Applied to Musculskeletal and Nerve Disorders Seminar as part of the OSHA Training Institute curriculum.

www.ergonomicpartners.com

Gorbel and the Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory?

Gorbel can shine in all types of special environments. This case study is in a food handling application. Specifically it is in a chocolate factory! The workers were manually handling 55 gallon drums of product. Well, Gorbel G-Force comes to the rescue again. G-Forces are especially handy in pouring applications because the unit senses the change in weight and keeps the load off the operator.

The Problem: Workers were manually lifting and pouring these tubs weighing 55 lbs.

The plant needed technology that would:
- Eliminate any manual lifting.
- Provide precise positioning of the load to avoid spillages.
- Handle the changes in weight while pouring the tubs of chocolate.
- Provide easy access to 14 mixers with one device.

Application: Lifting, positioning, and tilting plastic tubs full of chocolate to pour into 14 separate mixers down an assembly line.

Solution: G-Force Intelligent Lifting Device on a Gorbel workstation crane

The customer also considered hoists, balancers and vacuum lifters, but none of these options allowed the control of movement or compensated for the change in weight while pouring.

The customer was able to take quick delivery, and easy delivery for a quick turn-key project.

The operators are happy with the ease of use and they don’t have to worry about going home injured! The plant is happy with those items but also with the increase in the workers productivity.

For your custom application give us a call at 314-766-4578 or drop us a note at sales@ergonomicpartners.com

RTI to get 5 Year Contract Worth up to 3.7 Million

RTI will get a 5 year contract to look at ways to reduce workplace injuries. This will be a joint venture with Ergonomics Center of North Carolina, the Ergonomics Laboratory of Iowa State University, and the WORKSAFE IOWA Occupational Medicine Associates Network. They will be looking to understand the illnesses and injuries to come up with better ways to reduce and prevent the problems. This will be interesting to follow. We will keep you updated.

RTI International to Study Ways to Reduce Workplace Injuries, Illnesses

download image

K. Kristina Peterson

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C.—RTI International will conduct research and provide technical support to identify ways to reduce and prevent workplace injuries and illnesses as part of a new contract with the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety.

As part of the 5-year contract, worth up to $3.7 million, RTI researchers will provide NIOSH with analytical and technical support, conduct research and analysis, and evaluate existing programs.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2007, more than 4 million workers were injured or sick as a result of their work and more than 5,500 people died as a result of work-related injuries. These injuries include slips and falls, needle stick puncture wounds, workplace violence, hearing loss, and motor vehicle accidents, as well as illnesses ranging from cancer and asthma to green tobacco sickness.

"In order to change the trend in workplace injury statistics, we need to scientifically assess causes and risk factors, improve technologies, and change attitudes and behaviors in the workplace," said Kristina Peterson, a senior survey manager at RTI and the project's director. "Our project will begin to do those things, and we will then work to insure that what we learn is transferred into practice in the workplace."

To accomplish that task, RTI has enlisted a panel of nationally and internationally known occupational ergonomists, industrial hygienists, occupational nurses and others to team with RTI on specific projects. RTI is also partnering with the Ergonomics Center of North Carolina, the Ergonomics Laboratory of Iowa State University, and the WORKSAFE IOWA Occupational Medicine Associates Network to provide specialized services.

"The more we can understand about how and why workplace injuries and illnesses occur, the better we will be able to develop ways to reduce and prevent such accidents and injuries in the future."

http://www.rti.org/news.cfm?objectid=A98D8380-5056-B155-2C284E02B325F95A

www.ergonomicpartners.com or sales@ergonomicpartners.com

St. Louis Worlds Fair Bridge Crane

For you material handling buffs, I stumbled upon a picture of a P&H crane from the 1904 Worlds Fair in St. Louis. I know there are some old P&H cranes at the Anheuser Busch brewery that probably are in the same vintage as this crane. If you have any old cool crane pictures send them to me and I will include in a future blog.

Following are the specifications:

A Pawling & Harnischfeger 50-ton type "AN" bridge crane with a 10-ton type "A" trolley with standard a block at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair in either the Palace of Electricity or Machinery. The crane is stamped with the text "Pawling & Harnischfeger Builders, Milwaukee, Wis., Main Hoist 100,000 Lbs., Auxiliary 2,000 Lbs., No. 1054." There are booths from various companies (Curtis Steam Turbine, Westinghouse, Weber Gas & Gasoline, Waters Pierce Oil Co.) on the floor of the room. Also of note is the man in the cab of the crane.

Our Workforce Is Aging

We all hear about the aging work force and below is another article. In addition to the below items the author discusses employers are also going to have to help older workers do manual labor type jobs. It will be important for the employer to provide lift assists, lift tables, anti-fatigue mats, and workstation cranes to name a few.

Older employees will drive changes to workplaces

By TALI ARBEL (AP) – 1 day ago

ADJUSTING TO "SILVER TSUNAMI": An ergonomics expert says American companies are going to need to make a lot of changes as they adjust to an increasingly gray-haired work force.

A recent survey by the Pew Research Group predicted that 25 percent of American workers will be 55 or older by 2016, up from nearly 19 percent today.

An older work force is going to be a fact of corporate life, and in order to retain important intellectual capital and avoid age-discrimination lawsuits, companies need to figure out how to change office life to accommodate silver-haired employees, said Lance Perry, a senior risk engineer for insurance company Zurich Financial Services in Fort Worth, Texas.

Perry has been analyzing company ergonomics, or the science of beneficial workplace design, for more than 25 years, and recently helped write a report on how to best accommodate and retain aging employees.

Some basic recommendations:

_ Make buttons on phones, instructions on printers and other visual signs larger so aging eyes can read them more easily.

_ Voice-activated software is going to be more and more in use, Perry said, as typing gets harder for older hands.

_ Forget highly-polished, slick lobby floors in office buildings, he said. Think about changing to carpet, or a floor with more friction. Floors should also be all one height to try to fend off tripping over unexpected inclines or steps.

_ More face-to-face meetings, rather than communication by e-mail. Older people also often prefer face-time instructions when dealing with newer technologies.

_ Provide incentives for wellness program participation. An older population is more in need of nutritional guidance and physical activity to maintain fitness, he said.

_ Mentoring with younger employees is also important to pass corporate knowledge from one generation to the next. Older employees are more likely to have been with a company for a long time.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hJfeB69LmAh5A2LDN8IY_8OqO54gD9AJA1G00

sales@ergonomicpartners.com

___

Gorbel PIVOT PRO Case Study

You know we love Gorbel case studies. This is a very simple vacuum tool, but it is utilizing new technology from Gorbel. They have done away with all the messy tubing you typically need for a vacuum tube lifter. The Pivot Pro carries the vacuum thru the arms of the jib. It is a completely sealed system.

Industry: Pump Manufacturer

Product: PIVOT PRO™

The Problem:
- The vacuum tube lifter they were using was constantly getting torn and needed maintenance.
- The operators were having difficulty moving the boxes the entire length of the old jib boom

Application: Finished goods are moved through packaging lines where they are prepared for shipping. The loaded boxes weigh between 85-100 pounds and accumulate on a conveyor where the operator palletizes the boxes.

Gorbel® Solution-PIVOT PRO™ Articulating Jib Crane

Why Gorbel® Was The Smart Solution The PIVOT PRO™ reduced the need for maintenance versus the previous vacuum lifter, which often saw cuts and tears along the vacuum tube because of the resistance from the boom. The ease of movement of the PIVOT PRO™ causes less stress on the vacuum tube and less maintenance. After using the PIVOT PRO™ on this application, the company purchased an additional unit for a machining operation in another area of the facility.

Testimonials Our operators have been very pleased with how helpful this product has been. The PIVOT PRO™ makes manipulating the packages for palletizing so much easier. You don't have a lot of resistance from the boom to contend with when trying to place an object." - Industrial Engineer for pump manufacturer

Arch Beams: Potential Danger

We have seen numerous installations still in use and these need to be reviewed as soon as possible.

Potential Dangers of Arch Beam...

Arch beam is a type of crane that looks like the ones in these images. Though it hasn’t been manufactured since 1962, it is still in use in plants throughout North America.

Companies need to be aware of the possible dangers posed by age and fatigue in the welds of these Arch Beams.

Cracks in welds and lower T Sections
Tracks with raised tread worn away
Most cranes have exceeded their useful life expectancy, but some users see cranes as “timeless”
Current inadequate crane maintenance regulations may lull owners into a false sense of security about crane safety and/or conditions
Due to the age of equipment, the exact understanding of a crane’s design duty cycle may be difficult to determine without engineering analysis. (i.e. documentation may be missing)

Got Arch Beam? Here is what we recommend:

Our primary recommendation is to Replace All Arch Beams with Tarca® Beams - contact Ergonomic Partners at 314-766-4578 or email info@ergonomicpartners.com

If this is economically unfeasible, conduct regular safety audits
Safety Audits: Steps to a safer and more reliable crane - Use only skilled personnel for the audit
Identify the highest risk cranes in your inventory by age and cycles
Study and compare the original design versus the current usage
Fully inspect every weld in the beam. Through inspections, find discontinuity and then use non destructive testing
Benchmark critical components using reliability based maintenance practices and software.

sales@ergonomicpartners.com

see the attached pdf with more information

/archbeamflyer.pdf

Ireland Has Nationwide Material Handling Training

The Health and Safety Authority of Ireland has scheduled nationwide material handling training. They have 6 nationwide seminars scheduled for October 7th, 8th, 13th, 14th 28th and 29th. This is only part of their planned new "Material Handling Training System" which will be introduced over the next two years.

The goal of the seminars is to give an update on the current status and give information on the elements of the new system.

Included in these will be:

-Approval and release of two new FETAC (Further Education and Training Awards Council) Level 6 Material Handling and People Handling Instruction Standards.

-FETAC Registration: Need for training Providers who currently deliver Manual Handling and People Handling Instruction to register with FETAC.

-Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Process for existing Manual Handling and People Handling Instructors to gain recognition for existing skills, knowledge and experience.

-RPL Providers: Need for FETAC registered training providers with appropriate track record to apply to become RPL providers.

-FETAC Validation of new Manual Handling/People Handling Instruction Programs.

This is important for any employees who are responsible for training or responsible for the management of manual handling in the workplace.

http://www.hsa.ie/eng/News_and_Events/Events/Manual_Handling_Seminars_09.pdf

For more manual material handling help contact us at sales@ergonomicpartners.com or 314-766-4578.

Manufacturer Spotlight

Ergonomic Partners provides JDN hoists for the toughest applications. Did you know that they can provide a hydraulic model where compressed air is not available? Well read on...

J D Neuhaus manufacture a range of Ex rated handling equipment including hydraulically operated hoists and monorail hoists for safe operation within hazardous and explosion endangered areas. This equipment is the viable economic option where compressed air supplies may not be available, but where hydraulic lines, central hydraulic systems or hydraulic powers supplies currently exist.

With swl capacities up to 100 tonnes, these products operate at intake pressures from 100 to 180 bar (dependent upon motor size), with oil or HFC flame resistant pressure fluids. All units feature encapsulated, robust gear motors with extremely low noise emissions. Integrated overload protection is provided as standard and sensitive, infinitely variable speed control is achieved for all load lift, lower and rail transfer operations. Only two supply connections are made to the hoist, with any oil leakage being drained internally. Hoists up to 20 tonnes carrying capacity also incorporate controlled load-lowering in the event of oil supply failure.

All hoists provide a three metre lift height as standard and are equipped with two metre pendant controllers. The monorail hoists can be supplied in five load ratings from 20 to 100 tonnes, with standard hoists available in eight ratings covering loads from three to 100 tonnes. Special paint finishes, including yellow to identify offshore duties, can also be specified, together with increased spark protection for higher Ex rated operation.

If you have a special application let an Ergonomic Partners sales engineer help you with your project.

Contact us at sales@ergonomicpartners.com or 314-766-4578

Underwater Hoist?

JD Neuhaus has one of the best air chain hoists on the market. In addition to high capacities they also specialize in custom applications.

J D Neuhaus will be exhibiting some of their latest handling equipment at the Offshore Europe 2009 oil and gas conference and exhibition being held in Aberdeen during 8th - 11th September.

Being exhibited for the first time in the UK will be their new air operated hoists Profi 1.5 Ti and Profi 3 Ti/2 hoists offering load capacities of 1.6 and 3.2 tonnes respectively. These products feature a new 2kW vane motor which combines high performance with reliable operation even under extended operation and full load conditions. These new products complement their existing Profi hoist range covering load capacities from 0.25 to 100 tonnes.

Of particular interest for offshore operations will be a simulation of a JDN Profi series air powered hoist unit in use underwater. These units can be used in this manner providing certain additional servicing procedures are carried out.

If you would like to have Ergonomic Partners look at a custom JD Neuhaus application, drop us a note at sales@ergonomicpartners.com or call us at 314-766-4578 and we will be glad to help!

The Importance of Good Ergonomic Practices

Good ergonomic practices need to be followed, especially when money is tight as it can save you much more money than it costs.

The High Cost of Ignoring Ergonomic Work Practices
By Marji Hajic

As any company manager knows, it is important to weigh the costs of implementing new work programs with the expected long-term financial gains. Items labeled as being ergonomic can put a large dent into budgets. The business of ergonomics has become big business. A fully adjustable ergonomic chair alone can cost hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. Then there is the fear that if one work station is altered, every work station will need to be similarly altered. Or that by bringing up the topic of ergonomics, employees will be made aware of the potential for injuries and start making claims. It is not surprising that many companies do not look towards ergonomic solutions as a means of controlling costs.

On the other hand, not addressing ergonomic issues can be quite costly as well. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the direct and indirect costs of musculoskeletal injuries can total as much as $20 billion dollars a year. A survey conducted by Liberty Mutual in August of 2001 revealed that 95% of respondents felt that workplace safety had a positive impact on a company's financial performance; 86% felt that workplace safety provided a return on investment; and 61% felt that $3 or more is saved for each $1 invested in workplace safety.

So, we know that ergonomic solutions can decrease the incidence and cost of injuries and enhance employee satisfaction. We can further maximize ergonomic investment by looking for no-to-low cost solutions. Here are a few basic ergonomic freebies to get you started.

Some solutions can be as simple as rearranging a work space, moving the work area higher or lower or closer, placing tools within easy reach, and keeping the working space directly in front of our bodies. Avoid excessive reach. Place most frequently used items within an easy reach envelope. Position furniture and work equipment to promote healthy posture.

The more repetitive your job tasks, the more you are at risk. Rotate tasks often. Get up and get moving: get a drink of water, make a phone call; take a walk to the copy or fax machine; walk down the hall to discuss an item with a co-worker rather than using email.

Ensure that tools are in good working order. If using sharp tools, make sure the blades are sharpened to reduce the exertion needed during use. Do not disengage any safety features.

Make the environment as comfortable as possible. Avoid clutter and do not place items under desks or tables (you need to be able to get close to your working space). Re-direct air vents that are blowing down directly onto work stations. Reduce noise. Reduce glare. Provide sufficient lighting; use task lighting if necessary.
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art47497.asp
By Marji Hajic

Ergonomics in Las Vegas?

Hey, ergonomics are everywhere! At work as well as play. The manufacturers of slot machines are thinking about their customers comfort. People who play the slots for long periods of time can get repetitive strain injuries.

Slot Machine Ergonomics
28 August 2009

I recently attended an office ergonomics seminar. I found it to be very enlightening and saw how the principles taught at the seminar could be at the casino while playing the slot or video poker machines.

What is Ergonomics?

Ergonomics is defined as the application of scientific information relating to the design of objects, systems and environment in order to make them compatible with the needs, abilities and limitations of people.

It has become a high profile concern for many companies. The concern is not limited just to product design but also to how a worker carries out certain tasks that can include nothing more than the repetitive motion of the human body.

Any prolonged periods of abnormal posture and repetitive movements can contribute to neck, limb and back pain. This is known as a Repetitive Strain Injury or RSI. This is exactly what many slot players are encountering when they sit for hours at a time playing the slot machines.

Slot Makers Take Notice

In the last few years the major slot machine manufacturers have been working to produce slot machines that are ergonomically designed to keep the players comfortable when they play.

Old-time slot machines were designed for a standing player who would deposit a few coins in the machines and go on their way. Modern day slots are designed for a seated player who will hopefully spend hours pushing the spin button. To get the player to do this it is up to the slot makers to not only make their games more entertaining but also to make sure the player is enjoying maximum comfort while they play. An uncomfortable player will not stay at the machine as long as someone who is comfortable.

WMS Gaming was one of the first slot makers to introduce an ergonomically designed slot machine back in 2003. Some of the features included an easy-to-use touch screen placed at the proper height for a seated player.

All of the major slot manufacturers are now jumping on the ergonomics bandwagon. The designs of the cabinets that house the games have gone through a major redesign. Some of the new features are adjustable chair heights along with padded arm rests. Some new machines even have a recessed base where the players can rest their feet.

Preventing RSI

If you spend a lot of time playing slots, relying on machine design is not the only answer to protect against RSI. Slot players can perform some simple exercises right at the machine that will help prevent repetitive stress pain or injuries. Here is a list of some of them.

Eye Strain
One of the biggest causes of fatigue for slot players comes from eye strain. There is a simple exercise you can do while playing that will help alleviate this. Take your eyes off the screen and gaze into the far distance. Look from left to right while you are playing instead of staring at the same spot on the screen. Take some deep slow breathes while doing this.

Wrist and Fingers
After the eyes the part of the body that is most affected when playing slots is the wrist and fingers. Pushing the spin button over and over cans cause some strain and pain.

Stop occasionally and flex your fingers and wrists. If you are playing on a table top machine, make a fist with your hands then place your elbows on the surface top of the machine and bend your hands up and down at the wrist, then rotate them from left to right. If you are playing a machine with nowhere to rest your elbows, you can tuck them into your side and bend your wrist up and down.

Now move on to your fingers. Open and close your fist extending your straight fingers out. Wiggle your fingers to get blood circulating again.

Posture
Stay aware of your posture while you are sitting at your machine. Try to keep your back straight. Sit with your feet flat on the floor and try to avoid slouching. Take a break occasionally and perform some of these simple stretches.

Neck and Shoulders
If you are playing an upright machine you will probably be looking up at the screen and if you are playing a table top machine you will be looking down at it. This can cause some tension or pain on the back of your neck.

Tuck your chin down onto your chest and then slowly tilt your head back. This opens the airway so make sure to take a nice deep breath as you tilt your head back. Next you should stretch your neck to the left side and then right. Do this in slow easy movements. Don't jerk your head. You should feel the muscles of your neck gently stretching as you do this.

Follow this with a few shrugs of the shoulders. Shrug the shoulders high up to the ears and then release and drop. Repeat at least three times. Then rotate your shoulders in a circular motion; first forward then backwards.

Stay Loose
All of these exercises are meant to keep you loose and help prevent muscle cramping and damage caused by RSI. They can be done while you are sitting at the slot machine. If you work in an office and find yourself sitting at a desk all day long, you may find these useful there as well.

Until Next time remember:
Luck comes and goes.....Knowledge Stays Forever.

By Bill Burton
http://www.casinocitytimes.com/article/slot-machine-ergonomics-47800

www.ergonomicpartners.com