Ergonomic Partners - Ergonomic Solutions Blog

Today's Tip Ten Ergonomic Tips for Setting up Your Home Workstation - BusinessWeek

2010-04-07T21:10:00.000-05:00

Here are some simple ideas for making sure you are working properly at your home or office workspace.

Today's Tip Ten Ergonomic Tips for Setting up Your Home Workstation - BusinessWeek

Ergonomic Partners, Inc
http://www.ergonomicpartners.com/

How To Choose an Anti-Fatigue Mat

2010-03-30T09:59:00.002-05:00

Anti-fatigue matting comes in many different styles and prices. To choose anti-fatigue mats correctly, the specific environment the mat is going into must be considered.

Matting can be broken down into the top 10 most common categories in no particular order:

1. Food Production Mats
2. Lab and Pharmaceutical Mats
3. Non-Conductive Mats
4. Static Control Mats
5. Entrance Mats
6. Industrial Heavy Duty Dry
7. Industrial Medium Duty Dry
8. Industrial Light Duty Dry
9. Industrial Heavy Duty Wet
10. Industrial Medium Duty Wet

Food Production Mats - are designed to withstand oil, greases and wear found in food processing environments. When searching for food production matting, choose a mat that consists of a specially formulated ant-bacterial Nitrile rubber composite that withstands a wide range of oils, fats and greases.

Lab and Pharmaceutical Mats - are designed specifically for operating rooms, pharmacies, laboratories and many other sterile environments. Lab and pharmaceutical environments should have matting made of a Nitrile Rubber. This compound is resilient and anti-microbial.

Non Conductive Mats - Most commonly called Switchboard matting, these non-conductive mats insulate workers, protecting from deadly shocks generated by high voltage equipment. These mats are typically made of vinyl and have a high Dielectric strength. These mats not only save money, but they save lives.

Static Control Mats - are designed to control the risk of static electric discharge. They are typically used around sensitive equipment where static electricity could cause damage. When selecting an anti-static mat, it should be noted that a heel grounder will be required. Without the heel grounder to dissipate the static electricity, the mat will not truly be a static control mat.

Entrance Mats - are designed to protect floors and prevent slipping when entering a building. These mats typically are useful in heavy traffic areas. There are two main kind of entrance mats. Coarse fiber mats are used to hide dirt and foot traffic patterns. Heavy duty rubber mats with finger tip design remove dirt before it becomes a problem.

Industrial Heavy Duty Dry Mats - are designed for heavy foot traffic, cart traffic and protection in high risk areas. Good anti-fatigue mats for heavy duty applications have at least a five year warranty, and are at least 9/16" thick.

Industrial Medium Duty Dry Mats - are designed with resilience, comfort and ease of maintenance in mind. When selecting a medium duty dry mat, the thickness needs to be at least 1/2" with a minimum of a three year warranty.

Industrial Light Duty Dry Mats - are the most economical and common anti-fatigue mats. These mats are typically made out of a less expensive PVC sponge which do not hold up as well as the above noted mats. When selecting a light duty dry mat, the thickness should be at least 3/8" and have a minimum of a one year warranty.

Industrial Heavy Duty Wet Mats - are designed to reduce fatigue, help facilitate drainage and is modular for the ease of cleaning. Modular matting is very important for areas that are constantly wet. Cutting fluid and grease can build up on matting. Hence, if modular matting is in place, just the one small section can be removed and replaced. When selecting a heavy duty dry mat, the thickness should be at least 7/8" and have a minimum of a three year warranty.

Industrial Medium Duty Wet Mats - are designed to prevent accidents in areas where chemicals, oil and waterl can be present. Most wet matting has an option for a gritty surface. If the application is in a slippery area, this is highly recommended. When selecting a medium duty wet mat, the thickness should be at least 5/8" with a minimum of a one year warranty.

When selecting anti-fatigue matting, most applications will fall under one of the above products. The most common misconception with ergonomic matting is that what is good for one application is good for another. The truth is that anti-fatigue matting is carefully engineered and designed to fit exact types of applications. There are several different materials to choose from including PVC, Nitrile rubber or Urethane. No matter what material is chosen, make sure it fits the application accordingly.

In conclusion, many mats are chosen specifically on price. From experience, this typically only makes matters worse. Lower price usually equals lack of thickness and quality. Both lead to the discomfort of employees and costly replacements. Use the guidelines above when selecting anti-fatigue matting and any issues with anti-fatigue matting will be in the past. Remember, taking care of your people is good for business.

http://www.ergonomicpartners.com/Anti-Fatigue-Matting.aspx

Why Choose a Rigid Fall Arrest System?

2010-03-30T08:03:00.003-05:00

Why choose a Rigid Rail Fall Arrest anchor system over a Wire Rope system? SAFETY!

Gorbel's Tether Track™ Rigid Rail system stops the fall sooner than a wire rope system.
The sag in a wire rope system can cause workers to collide with nearby obstacles after a fall. Rigid rail anchor systems stay firm after a fall, reducing the risk of secondary injuries.
After a fall on a wire rope system, sudden tension on the rope can have a jarring effect on other workers on that system, putting them at risk. Rigid rail systems don't bend after a fall, providing uninterrupted protection of other workers on the same systems.

Sweet Sixteen

2010-03-24T14:27:00.002-05:00

Let us know if you are going to be in town for the Sweet 16 in St. Louis this weekend. You might catch us downtown having some fun! Hope you brackets are doing well.

Mobile Lift Portable Ergonomic Lifter Drum Lift Roll Lifters

2010-03-24T14:23:00.001-05:00

Do you have an application where you need to pick up a part or roll but cannot use an overhead lifting device? Maybe you need to move though doorways or just need portability? Well a portable lifter may be just what you need. Manual or batter operated units can be provided with limitless possibilities as far as tooling goes. We have aluminum, stainless steel and mild steel units with custom paint available. These units are used in many food grade an pharmaceutical applications.

Mobile Lift Portable Ergonomic Lifter Drum Lift Roll Lifters

Gorbel's New Blog

2010-03-24T14:16:00.000-05:00

Gorbel has a great new blog--just click on the link below. One interesting new item they do regularly is "what is wrong with this application". Check it out and let us know what you think!

Gorbel Inc.

For help with Gorbel workstations, jibs, fall arrest, or G-Force zero gravity lifters give us a call at 314-766-4578 or drop us a note at sales@ergonomicpartners.com

Gorbel's Trussed Track Advantages

2010-03-18T20:54:00.000-05:00

Our Trussed Track Design = Longer Track Spans & More Flexibility In Layout

Gorbel's trussed series track uses plain steel track but is enhanced for longer spans via a built up truss design. This design increases the span, which decreases the frequency of hangers. Available spans are 20', 25', and 30' ft.

Long spans translate into:

fewer runway support points
less interference of work cell layout
longer bridge lengths
free standing capabilities
lower installation costs

We can even provide custom lengths up to 40', call customer service for help. Just another reason why Gorbel® Work Station Cranes are among the most versatile to apply and easiest to install in the industry.

NA 2010 - North American Material Handling Logistics Tradeshow

2010-03-17T08:29:00.000-05:00

You can register now for the North American Material Handling and Logistics show. Manufacturing & Assembly, Fulfillment & ZDelivery, Information Technology, and Knowledge Center. 60 educational seminar, and keynote speakers included. The show is in Cleveland Ohio.

NA 2010 - North American Material Handling Logistics Tradeshow

Pendant Push Button Station SBP2 SBP Electromotive Magnetek

2010-03-14T15:21:00.000-05:00

You can now buy Magnetek Pushbutton stations online. We can typically ship in 2-3 days. In an emergency we can sometimes ship same day.

Check out our eCommerce site below or give us a call at 314-766-4578 for customization or if you would just like to order from a person.

Pendant Push Button Station SBP2 SBP Electromotive Magnetek

OSHA's Ergonomics Fight Rejoined -- Occupational Health & Safety

2010-03-09T17:00:00.000-06:00

See the latest on OSHA's recording keeping proposed rule. I guess everyone is either worried or excited that this is going to lead to a new ergonomics standard. See below from Occupational Health and Safety.

OSHA's Ergonomics Fight Rejoined -- Occupational Health & Safety

http://www.ergonomicpartners.com/

MHIA Forecasts 6.0-8.5% Growth in Material Handling Equipment New Orders in 2010

2010-03-01T16:52:00.000-06:00

Material handling equipment orders contracted 37.4% in 2009 are are forecasted to grow 6.0-8.5% in 2010, according to the latest Material

Hey, some good news. Factories in our industry are definitely seeing an increase in requests for quote. Below MHIA has some positive forecasts.

Handling Equipment Manufacturing Forecast (MHEM) released by Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA).

“Industrial production activity is increasing even though factory operating rates (utilization) remain very low by historical comparison,” said Hal Vandiver, MHIA executive vice president of business development. “MHIA believes that demand created as the economy shifts from recession into recovery mode (filling supply chain pipelines, re-establishing inventories, and responding to pent up demand) is the principal impetus for improvement over the next few quarters in manufacturing, warehousing and distribution.”

In addition, material handling equipment shipments contracted 34.4% in 2009 and are forecasted to grow 1.0 to 2.0% in 2010. Domestic demand (shipments plus imports less exports) contracted 34.7% in 2009 and will grow 1.0 to 2.0% in 2010. Exports and imports will improve in 2010 at about the same rate.

The MHEM forecast of material handling equipment manufacturing is released each quarter by MHIA and looks 12 to 18 months forward to anticipate changes in the material handling and logistics marketplace.

MHIA Forecasts 6.0-8.5% Growth in Material Handling Equipment New Orders in 2010

www.ergonomicpartners.com

314-766-4578

Human Resource Executive Online - Story

2010-02-26T15:29:00.000-06:00

The Obama administration is bringing back an ergonomics record-keeping rule issued by the Clinton administration, but rejected by former President George W. Bush. Experts, who say the proposed rule may pave the way for increased citations, advise HR leaders to proactively pay closer attention training and record-keeping issues.

By David Shadovitz

Ergonomics is back on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's agenda, after what some might describe as an eight-year hiatus during the Bush administration.

On Jan. 29, OSHA proposed new rules that would require employers to track and report workplace-related musculoskeletal disorders. While the changes are ostensibly little more than additional record-keeping, experts warn the proposal could likely pave the way for further enforcement and rulemaking by the agency.

OSHA wants to restore a column to the OSHA 300 log that would record work-related musculoskeletal disorders, such as carpal-tunnel syndrome and rotator cuff syndrome. The rules are identical to those contained in an OSHA record-keeping regulation that was issued in 2001 by the Clinton administration, but was removed in 2003 during the Bush presidency before ever going into effect.

Critics argued at the time that the definition used to describe musculoskeletal disorders was far too broad to be useful and that the new column wouldn't contain the type of detailed information that would be needed to address the problem of musculoskeletal disorders.

Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA David Michaels says the column would "improve the accuracy and completeness of national work-related injury and illness data."

The agency emphasizes that the rules would not require employers to take any action other than to check the new column on the OSHA form should a work-related MSD case occur.

Experts, however, say this could be a first step in the direction of regulatory and enforcement actions.

"If I were an employer, I'd be concerned," says Jason C. Schwartz, a partner in the Washington office of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher.

"It will increase the number of recordable incidents by broadening what might qualify as an MSD," he says. "So after collecting the data for a while, I wouldn't be surprised to see OSHA announce that there is a major MSD problem and decide to do something about it."

Schwartz says he also wouldn't be surprised to see employer groups fight the new rules in the courts, as they did the last time around.

Ashley Brightwell, a partner in the Atlanta office of Alston & Bird, agrees the rules could lead to "future actions by OSHA to regulate MSDs ... and increase the number of citations being issued against employers."

OSHA, she says, is very focused right now on record-keeping violations. "So a big fear," she says, "is that by highlighting MSDs in the workplace, you're opening the door to the number of general-duty citations."

Brightwell advises employers to closely review their OSHA 300 logs and be proactive in evaluating their workplaces and eliminating any current ergonomic hazards.

OSHA considers tracking musculoskeletal disorders an important policy objective, says Mark Wilson, a principal with Applied Economic Strategies LLC in Washington. But the proposed reporting requirement includes "nothing about the nature of the disorder, what caused it or how to go about abating it."

Wilson agrees employers should be troubled by the change, since it has the potential to initiate enforcement under the general-duty clause of the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

Most experts predict the rules are likely to be adopted. But whatever the outcome, they say, employers should expect the agency to pay much closer attention to record-keeping in the months ahead.

"If I were an employer, I would make sure my folks are well trained and that my reporting systems are in good shape," advises Schwartz. "I also wouldn't assume that every MSD needs to be reported even if the rules do go into effect. Employers need to make sure the [incidents] are work related."

OSHA will be seeking comments on the proposed rules until March 15.

February 25, 2010

Human Resource Executive Online - Story

Custom Lifting Device Rigid Tube Manipulator

2010-02-22T17:33:00.002-06:00

This custom lifting manipulator utilizes a rigid tube with a Gorbel G-Force zero gravity intelligent lifting device. This is a very simple end effector but any type of tooling could be supplied. Grip and pitch, ID or OD grip, other types of mechanical tooling, vacuum tooling, c-frame tooling and magnet tools can be supplied to pick up your particular product.

www.ergonomicpartners.com

314-766-4578

Retrofit Kit For Height Adjustment

2010-02-22T11:32:00.000-06:00

Do you have an application where you need to take an existing table, platform, machine or anything with 4 legs and make it height adjustable? The Dyan-Lift height adjustment retrofit system is very economical and can be provided as manual or electric. It can be installed in 1-2 hours with very basic tools. The system is fully charged and ready to use out of the box.

Ergonomic Partners: Lift Tables

Portable Gantry Crane, Adjustable Gantry Crane, Steel, Aluminum Missouri

2010-02-21T21:44:00.000-06:00

Gantry cranes can be big industrial models that run on ASCE rail and structural steel runways, but most models are used in a shop atmosphere where the portability of the units is a big plus.

Ergonomic Partners provides Gorbel brand which has the gantry crane for your application. Gantry cranes are perfect for applications where you need a portable and economical way to lift materials anywhere in your facility. Gantry cranes are provided with durable polyurethane casters to allow ease of movement around your facility.

An overhead gantry crane provides a cost-effective lifting solution for areas of infrequent lifts than a more permanent jib crane or overhead bridge crane. These cranes provide a heavy duty end frame design with square tubing uprights, knee braces and channel base which provide a very stable base.

Safety for your gantry crane is insured with the bolted connection between the beam and upright. These cranes are pre-engineered for use with manual hoists or electric hoists. These cranes are have a factor of 15% of crane capacity for the hoist and trolley weight, with an additional 25% of the capacity allowed for impact. You can use your gantry crane at its full capacity and not worry about overloading the crane.

Gorbel Fixed height gantry cranes and adjustable gantry crane are available in capacities up to 5 ton and spans up to 30’.

Portable Gantry Crane Applications:

Lifting materials anywhere in a facility where an overhead crane is needed
Localized handling utilizing the safety of a gantry crane
Over machines for maintenance and pulling product using a safer crane alternative in lieu of a forklift
Anywhere overhead lifting equipment is needed on an infrequent basis

Why Choose Gorbel Gantry Cranes:

Industry's Best Warranty - 5 Years on Gorbel Gantry Cranes
"If it's late, we pay the freight"
5 Day Quick Ship, 2 or 3 Day Quick Ship (premium service)
Multiple shipping points - plants in NY and AL
Local Representation – Ergonomic Partners, Inc. is a distributor for your Gorbel products
Ease of movement - durable polyurethane casters provide low rolling resistance for easy movement
Safety - bolted beam to upright connection to ensure that beam doesn't dislodge
Ease of installation

Portable Gantry Crane, Adjustable Gantry Crane, Steel, Aluminum Missouri

Articulating Jib Cranes, Gorbel Jib Crane, Portable, I Beam, and Wall Mount Crane

2010-02-21T20:09:00.000-06:00

Jib cranes are one of the most flexible yet inexpensive pieces of overhead material handling equipment. They can be supplied for capacities as low as 50# and believe it or not up to 25 tons. Most shops will have at least one or two jib cranes usually 1 or two ton capacity. The range of models is quite impressive from floor mount, wall bracket, full cantilevered, mast type, articulating, or portable base and most of these can be manually or electrically driven rotation. Any jib crane over 3 ton capacity should typically be motor driven but depending on duty cycle and expectations of your shop workers there are many 3 and 5 ton manual jibs in the field working quite nicely. Add a hand chain hoist, electric chain hoist or wire rope hoist and you have a very effective piece of material handling equipment. For more information call Ergonomic Partners at 314-766-4578 or email us at sales@ergonomicpartners for assistance with your application.

Articulating Jib Cranes, Gorbel Jib Crane, Portable, I Beam, and Wall Mount Crane

Pendant Push Button Station SBP2 SBP Electromotive Magnetek

2010-02-21T18:47:00.001-06:00

Did you know you can buy Electromotive SBP2 pushbutton station online? We make it easy to select a 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12 button station with different configurations, and different prewired pendant lengths. We carry many in-stock for quick shipment. These pendants can be held in one hand for ease of use. They are the most ergonomic pendant on the market. Either order online or give us a call at 314-766-4578.

Ergonomic Partners: Pushbutton Stations

Anti-Fatigue Matting Anti Fatigue Mats Interlocking Floor Mats by Wearwell Missouri

2010-02-21T15:09:00.000-06:00

Did you know you can go online and purchase anti-fatigue mats? With Ergonomic Partners new configurator you can customize and buy your mats online through our new eCommerce website. All of our mats are ready for quick delivery. Free shipping on most mats.

Anti-Fatigue Matting Anti Fatigue Mats Interlocking Floor Mats by Wearwell Missouri

Ergonomic Snow Shovel Protects User's Back

2010-02-21T14:56:00.001-06:00

With all the snow the country has been getting this is a big relief for some of you. Check out the ergonomic snow shovel!

Ergonomic Snow Shovel Protects User's Back|abc27 News

For more information on Ergonomic Lifting in an industrial setting check us out at www.ergonomicpartners.com

Custom Lift Assist Equipment Helps Productivity and Protects against Operator Injuries

2010-02-10T08:00:00.003-06:00

Ergonomic Partners was recently approached to design and provide custom lift assist equipment for a global safety equipment manufacturer. After several near misses on major injuries due to dropped and mishandled parts the customer was looking for a new way to handle their parts. In addition the operators were risking shoulder and back injuries due to awkwardly having to place the heavy discs into the lathes. The operators were manhandling the parts from a cart in the horizontal position like a pancake and setting on edge to then roll the part into the lathe. This was a risky move as the operator had to balance the part on edge and adjust the chuck, then muscle the part into place.

After an onsite review and consultation with the operators Ergonomic Partners provided a custom lifting device to assist operators loading and unloading the discs of lead up weighting to 100 pounds. The operators can now grip the part from the cart in a horizontal position and pitch the part 90 degrees. The tool is suspended from a balancer so the operator can float the part into the chuck for the final positioning. The operators can now do their job with greater efficiency while not worrying about injury.

Video of the tool can be seen at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Q-d_931hXI .

For more information contact Ergonomic Partners at 314-766-4578 or email at sales@ergonomic partners.com

Custom Lift Assist for Large Pump Inspection

2010-02-09T20:24:00.003-06:00

Many companies need to inspect their parts for quality but how about a 1200# pump. Well Ergonomic Partners was asked to design and build a custom lifting device to rotate the customer's parts in all axes so they could check the parts for manufacturing defects and further assemble parts on the pump. In addition the customer wanted to have optimum control of the pump.

Ergonomic Partners design integrated a 90 degree tilt function as well as continuous 360 degree rotation so the part could be inspected in all axes. To accomplish the control the customer wanted, Magnetek Flux Vector VG+ variable frequency control was supplied which provided the customer with 1000:1 control ratio. The part can be moved so slow it is barely noticeable to the eye. This type of control is widely used on the most severe and precise hoisting applications in aerospace, steel fabrication, nuclear facilities, clam shell and bucket cranes. The unit is controlled with a Magnetek 3 speed SPB2 pushbutton station.

A full video of the custom lifting device can be seen at http://www.ergonomicpartners.com/video/Pump-Inspection-Inverter.wmv

Gorbel G-Jib

2010-02-04T22:50:00.003-06:00

Be one of the first to check out the new G-Jib. Link below will take you to a video to check it out. We can do an on-site demo if this looks of interest.

https://www.gorbel.com/About/Blog

sales@ergonomicpartners.com or give us a call at 314-766-4578.

Saints Win Super Bowl, says Madden NFL

2010-02-03T20:47:00.003-06:00

I couldn't resist passing on this article. Madden computer simulation has picked 5 of the last 6 Super Bowls right. The games only miss was the Giants/New England game. Who could have picked that one? See the link below for the whole story. Get your money down on the Saints.

Hope you all have a great time celebrating one of our countries national holidays!

http://videogames.yahoo.com/events/plugged-in/saints-win-super-bowl-says-madden-nfl/1387788

Overhead Bridge Crane for Machining Center

2010-01-25T20:05:00.004-06:00

Ergonomic Partners recently provided this single girder top running bridge crane with freestanding structural steel for a Missouri manufacturing facility. This system was provided complete with turnkey installation. Note the columns are freestanding with no A-frames or bracing. The customer had very tight clearances due to existing machining centers but we squeezed it in!

We sell and service all major brands including CM, R&M, Yale, Harrington, JD Neuhaus, Gorbel, and Cleveland Tramrail. Whether it is a new building or an existing building we can help to come up with a solution for your lifting needs. All of our structural steel is designed and sealed by a Professional Engineer.

You can call us at 314-766-4578 or drop us a note at sales@ergonomicpartners.com. To see more applications visit us at www.ergonomicpartners.com

Workplace Injuries are Down

2010-01-24T10:34:00.000-06:00

U.S. companies reported 3.7 million work-related injuries and illnesses in 2008, the lowest in five years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s 7.7% lower than in 2007.

And the number of injuries severe enough to require time off work was 1.1 million, also a five-year low and down 7% from 2007, BLS said. However, the median number of days away from work, which indicates the severity of the injury, was 8 days, compared to 7 days in each of the previous 4 years.

Other findings:

The number of injuries dropped in construction and retail industries.
Ergonomic problems dropped to 33 cases per 10,000 full-time workers compared to 35 in 2007.
Workers between the ages of 55 and 64 had 3% more injuries than all age groups and those over 65 had 13% more.
The most common injuries in 2008 were sprains and strains, 39% of all work-related injuries. In 2 out of 5 of these cases, the back was injured.

The rate of injuries was higher among government workers: 6.3% - that’s 7% for local government workers and 4.7% for state employees - compared to 3.9% in private industry.