Ergonomic Partners - Ergonomic Solutions Blog

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

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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.

Gorbel G-Jib is Introduced!

2010-01-19T22:34:00.004-06:00

Check out the link for the new Gorbel G-Jib below. It is a nice compliment to their zero-gravity lifting line. If you don't need the articulation of the Easy Arm this is a more economical way to still get many of the great features of the Gorbel G-Force.

https://www.gorbel.com/Products/Intelligentliftdevices/GJib.aspx

It can go up to 660#, and 16' span where the Easy Arm goes to 330# and 14' span.

We can integrate all the same type of tooling as we have done in the past with the Easy Arm, but do it even more economically than the Easy Arm. Some customers need the Easy Arm Features but this is a nice compliment which fits between the Easy Arm and a standard jib with a chain hoist.

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

Electric Chain Hoists in Stock

2010-01-14T09:13:00.002-06:00

Do you need an electric chain hoist right away? We can help with our full line of stocked hoists. We carry CM, Yale, Demag, JD Neuhaus, Coffing, Budgit in stock for immediate delivery. With an order in the morning most hoists are shipped the same day.

We also carry a full line of come alongs (lever tools), trolleys, beam clamps and hand chain hoists for immediate shipment.

All of the hoists include free freight to any of the lower 48 states.

If you would like to use a PO instead give us a call at 314-766-4578 and we can help you with the specifications.

Click on http://www.ergonomicpartners.com/Hoists.aspx to get started with online shopping.

Vacuum Box Handling for Stacking Overhead

2010-01-12T16:46:00.003-06:00

Do you have an application that requires your operatorsto stack boxes at a level higher than an operator can reach? First it might be wise to look at putting in recessed lift tables as you can see this is quite a stretch to set the boxes. The long handle also can be cumbersome but if you are experiencing worker injuries or flat out can't reach the top of the stack, this might be the solution for your operators.

Give us a call at 314-766-4578 or drop an email to sales@ergonomicpartners.com for more information.

Check out the video below

Gorbel Workstation Crane System with Multiple Bridges

2010-01-10T22:56:00.002-06:00

Did you know that you can have Gorbel systems with 2 or more bridges and not have to mess with festooning. In the past on systems with more than two systems some customers have utilized c-track to run additional festoon conductors. Well, you can utilize hard bar electrification. Pick your brand, Electromotive, Insul-8, Duct-O-Bar or whatever you use in your plant. Note that four bars are utilized on the system. This is required by NEC but even more important as Gorbel wheels are not metal and thus do not ground the system.

Need some more information? Drop us a note at sales@ergonomicpartners.com or give us a call at 314-766-4578.

Height Adjustable Workbench Made Easy With Dyna-Lift!

2009-12-30T13:51:00.006-06:00

Do you have existing tables that your workers are having to bend over to do their job. Do you have different size workers who use the same tables making one height a problem. Well the fix is easy and it is very inexpensive.

Dyna-Lift retrofit height adjustment kits make it easy and quick with their field installable pre-charged kits which can be installed in under and hour.

-The adjustment ranges are 6", 8", 10" 12", 14" and 16" stroke.

-Lifting capabilities up to 1000# with the Base Dyna-Lift and 1500# with the Heavy Duty Dyna-Lift

-Up to 20,000# with the Super Dyna-Lift

-Manual or Electric operation available

-Single acting cylinders, with powered in the up direction and gravity in the down direction requiring approximately 20# of weight per cylinder to retract properly.

-External leg assembly fits many different brands and sizes of extruded aluminum via a special T-Slot. This is an easy add-on in the field or OEM design.

-Internal leg assembly typically fits inside most 3"x3" or 2"x2" extruded aluminum profiles. Cylinder fits inside so there are no outside parts.

Prices start as low as $460 including freight to anywhere in the lower 48 states.

Drop us a note at sales@ergonomicpartners.com for more information.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-23T17:55:00.001-06:00

All of us hope you have a Blessed Christmas and Happy New Year.

CM Lodestar Early Advertisement

2009-12-04T10:01:00.002-06:00

Check out the link below. This is the first CM Lodestar print advertisement which ran in the Mid 1950's. There are still CM Lodestar hoists in the field that are well over 50 years old. Let us know how old your CM hoist is and we will feature it here in our blog. Thanks to our Blog Friend Tom for this cool piece of material handling history

/first%20cm%20print%20advertisement.pdf

www.ergonomicpartners.com

sales@ergonomicpartners.com

ProMat Reminder

2009-12-01T14:50:00.004-06:00

ProMat is returning to Chicago March 21-24 in 2011. This is the premier material handling show in North America.

For information on exhibiting or attending contact:
The Material Handling Industry of America
8720 Red Oak Blvd., Suite 201
Charlotte, NC 28217-3992
704-676-1190 • 800-345-1815 • FAX: 704-676-1199
E-mail: CustomerService@ProMatShow.com • www.ProMatShow.com

Cooperation of Company and Union Saves Millions!

2009-11-24T11:37:00.002-06:00

Tyson has long been seen as an innovator in ergonomics and taking care of their employees. Twenty years ago they set out on a truly progressive ergonomics initiative. Below some highlights from ://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/globenewswire/179033.htm article on the web. This shows that ergonomics is about saving companies money. Much applause to this business for leading the way.

Tyson has been involved in numerous engineering projects designed to modify work stations and equipment in order to reduce physical stressors on the job. Examples include redesigned knife handles, height-adjustable work stations, use of lighter-weight saws/power tools, hydraulic/mechanical assists to lift or separate product, lower overhead chains and conveyors to eliminate reaching over shoulder height, product diverters on conveyor lines to bring product closer to workers, comfortable/level floor surfaces, improved illumination and job rotation. The company has also worked to reduce the vibration generated by certain tools and modified personal protective equipment to make it fit better and be more comfortable.

"Over the past 20 years, our company has devoted millions of dollars in ergonomically-designed equipment and process improvements, as well as training, which we believe have helped prevent workplace injuries and illnesses," said Jim Lochner, chief operating officer of Tyson Foods. "However, the real key to the success of this program has been the workers who serve as safety and ergonomics monitors. The input we've received from hourly production workers and the participation of our plant and corporate management teams, have been invaluable."

"What this program shows is that when workers have input on working conditions, when they are part of the decision-making process, you come up with a better, safer environment -- and that's good for everybody," said UFCW Meatpacking, Manufacturing, and Food Processing Division Director Mark Lauritsen. "It works because everyone is involved from Tyson management to UFCW leaders, ergo monitors and production workers."

"The union and Tyson have worked together to make this ergonomics program what it is today (and) I think we're way ahead of the industry with our program," said Marvin Harrington, President of UFCW Local 222, which represents workers at the Dakota City plant. "We're proud the program is part of our UFCW contract with Tyson. We train UFCW members on how to identify hazards and recommend fixes. Having both Tyson management and UFCW members engaged on detecting hazards makes for an efficient process."