Gorbel G-Jib
Labels: G-Force, G-Jib, Jib Crane, Zero Gravity Lift
Ergonomic Partners is a turnkey solution provider for material handling applications, backed with over 20 years of material handling experience, repetitive lifting applications, precise product placement, and awkward load handling. We offer ergonomic material handling and work station equipment with custom designed and engineered handling devices and special equipment for your most demanding projects.
Labels: G-Force, G-Jib, Jib Crane, Zero Gravity Lift
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!Labels: overhead bridge crane, structural steel
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 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.

Labels: G-Force, Gorbel, Jib Crane, Lift Assist, Zero Gravity Lift

Labels: ecommerce, electric chain hoists
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.Labels: Duct-O-Bar, Electromotive, Gorbel, Insul-8

Labels: adjustable workbenches, height adjustable, work benches
Labels: Promat
"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."
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Lift Table Application:
This printing operation loads pallets of rolled printed product. The loads can range from several hundred to over one thousand pounds. The loaded pallets are removed and transported by pallet jack to the shipping area.
Problem:
The operators handle of a wide range of size and weight of printed product in this area. The area for staging and loading the pallets is very cramped. Lifting, bending, stretching and reaching to position printed materials of various size and weights on the pallet takes a physical toll on line operators. The tight space conditions add to the frustration not allowing the operators to work efficiently. Lift trucks are prohibited access to this work area for safety reasons as the area is very congested with product.
Solution:
Bishamon EZOFF lifters are positioned in the pallet building areas. The empty pallets are placed on the raised EZOFF Lifter. The lift can be lowered as the printed rolls are loaded to accommodate the workers comfort level. In addition the operator can rotate the platform to position the lift for loading thereby eliminating reaching across the load or walking around the lift to place product on the pallet. The result is less bending, reaching and stretching, reduced fatigue and improved productivity.
Ergonomic Partners can help with this or similar applications for your industry. Contact us at 314-766-4578 or at sales@ergonomicpartners.com
Labels: Bishamon
If you need help specifying the proper crane system for your application contact a crane sales professional at sales@ergonomicpartners.com, or call at 314-766-4578 for more information |
Labels: Cleveland Tramrail

This Gorbel Free Standing Work Station Bridge Crane was utilized for an application that takes advantage of its ease of push and pull for a custom yet affordable solution.
The customer needed rigidity to be maintained while handling these parts and the system they were using had a lot of swing with the hoist and could not handle the required installation angle.
This application involved handling row unit pods for a combine. Three pods were on a mounting rack which weighed 1000#. The pack of three needed to be picked up and tilted to a specific angle to allow for proper installation.
A Gorbel Free Standing Work Station Bridge Crane with a Dual Girder Bridge and Variable Frequency Tractor Drives on both the trolley and bridge. The variable frequency drive control give the operator optimum spotting control to position these large pods.
Gorbel workstation cranes are easily integrated with custom end tooling. Gorbel will make the platform to integrate with many type of one of a kind tooling.
The customer was thrilled with the amount of time they were able to save over the previous method. Their installation time was reduced from 25 minutes per pack down to 5 minutes.
Have a problem or tough application? Give us a call at 314-766-4578 or drop us a line at sales@ergonomicpartners.com
The show runs from Nov. 15 - 18, 2009. This very large event expects over 1,000 exhibitors, with an expected 35,000 attendees.It will feature thousands of live equipment demonstrations throughout pavilions dedicated to metal forming, fabricating, tube and pipe, stamping, lasers, thermal spray and welding.
Let us know if you see something you like and we will feature it on our blog! Drop us a line at sales@ergonomicpartners.com

Labels: anti-fatigue matting, wearwell



Labels: food production, wearwell
This food processing facility was using large outdated carts to get the product to the workers for final preparation. The old carts were hard to maneuver and the worker had to reach to six inches above floor level to pick up the bottom boxes. Well they needed a solution and Bishamon ESX Mobile self leveling tables were chosen. These are available as 220#, 460# or 880# and are very inexpensive. The load automatically raises as the boxes are removed.
This food processing facility was having numerous injuries in this high duty cycle palletizing process. The workers are taking the product off of a conveyor and loading onto pallets. They were loading them at floor level which was obviously causing back injuries. They now can keep their work in a good ergonomic zone. Also notice that these lift tables have turn tables so they can keep from reaching over to load the far side of the pallet.
The customer was using two men to physically lift and position rolls into packaging machines. This job was limited to younger men as this was an awkward and physically demanding job. Product damage was a major concern as the product was being dropped.
The operators were lifting these 150# rolls of paper and plastic and loading the rolls into the packaging machines which would package glass used in the pharmaceutical industry.
The customer decided on a Gorbel Freestanding workstation bridge crane with an air balancer and custom roll handling tool. They consider using a jib crane but this did not give them the coverage of a bridge crane and reduced the number of lift devices, air balancers and jibs as they would have had to buy numerous units. Note the aluminum bridge in the picture. This reduces the load the operator has to move.
This solution made sense on numerous levels:
It protected the workers as they did not have to pick up the large awkward loads.
They reduced the number of people to do the job-from two to one.
It made the job more accessible to women and older employees.
There is less damage to the product as they do not drop them.
Have a problem area in your plant let us look at an economical Gorbel solution for your solution. Contact us at sales@ergonomicpartners.com or check out what we have done for others at www.ergonomicpartners.com.
314-766-4578





Bushman is a great company for standard as well as custom lifters. They are still the same great company but have changed their name.
New Name Positions Company For Growth; New Structure Moves It Towards Single Source Supplier
Lift it…Stack it…Grab it…Hook it…Upend it…Invert it…Weigh it…Transfer it. If you can make it, we can move it. But first we decided to rename it—our company that is.
Bushman Equipment Inc. is now Bushman AvonTec, bringing our parent company and two divisions together to serve customers better. We are your single source supplier for Below-the-Hook (Bushman Equipment and Avon Engineering), Floor-Based (West Bend Equipment), and Slit Coil Packaging (Avon Engineering) Equipment.
This action will allow us to build on our long history of product leadership in the design and manufacture of rugged, built-to-order material handling equipment proven superior by our “enginuity” — the powerful convergence of engineering and ingenuity.
Move in the right direction for increased production and extended performance with equipment from Bushman AvonTec, including:
BELOW-THE-HOOK SOLUTIONS, ABOVE & BEYOND EXPECTATIONS


Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA) leaders discussed material handling and logistics market trends at the recent 2009 Annual Meetings in Amelia Island, Florida. Overall, the first half 2009 has seen a decline of 44.9% for orders of new equipment vs. 2008. MHIA forecasts this decline to slow slightly in the last half of 2009 and hold the total year decline to 35.0% to 38.0%. A decline of another 5.0 to 10.0% in 2010 is expected with growth to begin early in 2011.
“We are in the middle of a serious contraction this year, but the worst appears to be over,” said Hal Vandiver, MHIA executive vice president of business development. “MHIA is forecasting that 2010 will be 6.0% to 8.0% below 2009 for the industry, and it will be 2011 before we see the industry come back into growth.”
More specific information on several key material handling and logistics markets was also discussed including:
Package Handling Conveyors
The conveyor market declined by 30% for the 12 month period ending in July 2009. MHIA is expecting a total year decline in the conveyor market of 35-38% for 2009, and a further decline of 5-10% in 2010. A recovery of 10% to 12% is forecasted in 2011. Conveyor market growth opportunities are seen in retail & general merchandise; grocery and food service; direct to consumer; pharmaceutical and medical supply; and in third party logistics.
Industrial Racks
U.S. domestic production of rack equipment is estimated to be $800 million in 2009, down 37.5% from 2008. “I am confident we have bottomed out,” said George Prest, Unarco Material Handling.
Casters & Wheels
Caster manufacturers saw a 25% drop in their market in 2009 and a bottoming out in 2010 followed by slow growth for several years. Growth opportunities are seen in the alternative energy and medical markets.
Automation
The first half of 2009 saw a record low for automation. Second half of 2009 is showing signs of improvement. We see 2010 as a year of recovery and growth (when compared to 2009, but below 2008 levels). Growth opportunities are seen in manufacturing, medical, food and beverage, government and sustainability.
Ergonomics
The market for ergonomic systems and lifts was off 20% from the prior year period through the second quarter of 2009. “Technically, we have hit a bottom,” said Brian McNamara, Southworth International Group, Inc.
Supply Chain Software
Annual sales for warehouse management systems fell from $1.24 billion to $1.195 billion from 2007 to 2008. It is estimated that it has continued to contract in 2009. The market is forecasted to grow again in 2010.
Lift Trucks
In 2009, the U.S. lift truck market is estimated to drop approximately 35%, compared to 2008. 2009 is forecasted to be the bottom and recovery to begin gradually next year. Growth opportunities are seen in food and beverage, grocery chains and general merchandise stores.
Overhead Material Handling
In 2009, the industry is contracting in all segments (hoists, cranes and monorails). The outlook for 2010 is for our industry to begin a long, slow recovery; but, likely will not see positive growth until late in the year. Growth opportunities are seen in renewable energy, infrastructure, government/military and aerospace.
MHIA is an international trade association that has represented the material handling and logistics industry since 1945. MHIA members include material handling and logistics equipment and systems manufacturers, integrators, consultants, publishers, and third party logistics providers. Member companies come from all areas of material handling and various parts of the world, making MHIA a strong national and international representative for the material handling and logistics industry. Much of the work of the industry is done within its product-specific Industry Groups. The association sponsors trade events, such as ProMat 2011 and NA 2010 to showcase the products and services of its member companies and to educate manufacturing, distribution and supply chain professionals on the productivity solutions provided through material handling and logistics. MHIA also publishes a quarterly Material Handling Equipment Manufacturing Forecast.
Contact: Carol Miller, Vice President of Marketing & Communications, Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA) (704) 676-1190/800-345-1815.
For ergonomic material handling applications call 314-766-4578, or visit www.ergonomicpartners.com

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.
Labels: education
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!
Labels: EP case study

Labels: EP case study
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

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.
Labels: Gorbel, overhead bridge crane
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:
Labels: education

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 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
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

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
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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

Labels: overhead bridge crane
Labels: jd neuhaus
| National Ergonomics Conference and Expo Caesars Palace, Las Vegas NV November 17-20, 2009 Website |
| National Safety Council 2010 Texas Safety Conference & Expo The Woodlands Waterway Marriott, The Woodlands, TX March 15-17, 2010 Website |
| Applied Ergonomics Conference 2010 JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa, San Antonio, TX March 22-25, 2010 Website For further information on ergonomic material handling equipment please contact Ergonomic Partners at sales@ergonomicpartners.com or 314-766-4578 |
| Most emplyers like to think they offer a diversified workplace. Well Anne Kramer shows even more reasons why this is important other than patting yourself on the back. e Benefits of Ergonomics in the Workplace by Anne Kramer, CEO & President of Ergo Works, Inc. |
| DiversityBusiness.com Magazine Article/- Ergonomics may seem like a subjective solution to increasing productivity in the workplace, because its benefits often appear to elude quantification. While it is certainly easier to measure the effects of ergonomics in some work environments than others, paying attention to ergonomics in any workplace can save money by reducing injuries and time lost. Furthermore it can actually make a business more profitable, through increased productivity and efficiency, in addition to making the workplace accessible to a wider variety of workers. Decreasing Injury and Time Lost Every year, hundreds of thousands of work days are lost due to work-related injuries. The cost of these days missed easily totals in the billions. These injuries were certainly not limited to those caused by heavy lifting; they also included seemingly less-serious injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Thus the company that prevents these sorts of injuries stands to gain, through decreased pay-out for workers’ compensation and fewer days lost. Though many products are available to prevent these injuries, ranging from wrist rests to adjustable office chairs, each piece of equipment should be designed for reducing injury and promoting ease of use. As a rule of thumb, optimum posture may be defined as the midpoint of any limb’s range of motion. For instance, a desktop computer workstation should allow the user to keep his or her elbows at slightly open to a 90-degree angle. Wrists should remain in a neutral position; there should be no bend from forearm to wrist. Meanwhile, the top of the monitor should be parallel to the top of the head. Thus all components of the workstation must support a proper working position. Although heavy lifting injuries are not the only ones resulting in time lost, they do comprise a large majority of those requiring missed days: on average, shoulder or back injuries comprise about a third of all injuries each year. These were caused by either overexertion or cumulative trauma. While the bulk of injuries occurred in workplaces where the jobs required heavy lifting, shoulder and back injuries also happen in the white-collar environment; these may occur due to any manner of static exertion: holding activities; carrying items; pushing or pulling; or raising the arms. Regardless of the work environment, injuries due to lifting pose a threat, but an easily avoidable one. Heavy items should simply be placed where employees can use proper posture to pick them up. It is important to minimize bending while lifting, which forces the upper body to lift its own weight in addition to the weight of the item being lifted. Additionally, bending while lifting moves the load away from the body, thereby decreasing leverage. In this case, employee education can be an indispensable method of injury prevention. Such education can play a significant role in employees’ continued health, because making ergonomically wise decisions about task design may often fall to the employee. An employee who knows the benefit of reducing head motion is more likely to utilize a stand, to keep papers at eye level and close to the monitor while completing typing or data-entry tasks. That same employee is more likely to move frequently used items, such as scissors or a stapler, within optimum reach of sixteen inches or less. Increasing Productivity and Efficiency Although the field of ergonomics is most frequently associated with gadgets and gizmos, it is really a science of fitting the job to the worker. Thus any measure that increases productivity or efficiency is really an ergonomically friendly one, even if it does not involve a specific piece of equipment. One of these may appear counter-intuitive, and even counter-productive: taking breaks. Several studies have demonstrated the efficacy of this simple intervention. Workers who take short breaks every twenty minutes significantly reduce the incidence of injury, at no detriment to productivity. To maximize productivity, employees may combine their breaks with the sit/stand work station set-up. Although the original focus of the sit-stand work station was that employees would complete the same task, such as typing, while alternately sitting and standing, this procedure was not demonstrated to increase efficiency or reduce injury. Thus it is now recommended that employees still vary their posture regularly, which can be accomplished by standing to file papers or to make copies. Employees, then, may save these tasks for their breaks from computer-centered tasks. This is not to say that proper equipment does not contribute to productivity levels. On the contrary, even something as simple as a keyboard can impact efficiency. After a learning period on an ergonomic keyboard, employees are even more productive on the ergonomic keyboard than they were on the standard keyboard: because ergonomic keyboards require less exertion than standard ones, employees can complete more computer-based tasks in the same amount of time. Measuring Ergonomics-related Gains through Data Analysis While it is certainly easier to evaluate the effects of ergonomics in work environments with production lines, where progress can be measured in higher tangible output, it is not impossible to measure the benefits of ergonomics in the white-collar environment. Any effort at redesign should begin with a job analysis and employee feedback. These items will help in the construction of evaluation criteria, along with dictating the sort of ergonomic interventions that are appropriate and necessary. Both criteria and interventions should be tailored to the position. If employees spend little time on the computer each day, but often use the telephone, then greater impact would be attained through purchasing headsets than wrist rests. Anthropometry must also be taken into account; because people vary in size, a one-size-fits-all approach will often be ineffectual. While an adjustable chair is a critical part of a computer workstation, shorter employees will often also need a foot rest to maintain proper posture. Once ergonomic equipment and procedures have been implemented, monitoring and measurement can begin. Invariably a comparison of the baseline data to the new data will reveal clear monetary gains. Ergonomics as a Method of Supporting and Encouraging Diversity Perhaps the greatest benefit of ergonomics in the work place is that the work station can be customized to the worker, thereby making the office better able to accommodate a wide variety of workers. By eschewing the one-size-fits-all approach to work station design, employers can ensure that office spaces are modified to fit people in all age groups; although two employees may be the same height and build, their age also influences how they use tools. Meanwhile, the ergonomic office space also provides greater accessibility for employees with physical limitations. These might include a variety of conditions, which could range from pregnancy to quadriplegia. The benefit of such an approach, then, is three-fold. First, the employer has satisfied the legal requirement of providing adequate and appropriate accommodations for employees. Additionally research has consistently demonstrated that the implementation of ergonomics conveys that the employer values and embraces workers of diverse needs, thereby boosting workplace morale. Finally, adaptations originally intended for physically handicapped employees, such as voice-recognition software, can actually benefit any employee, because it reduces the need for a keyboard. Thus as new technology is added, it can be integrated into the whole-office ergonomic approach, to the advantage of all employees. About DiversityBusiness.com Launched in 1999, DiversityBusiness, with over 48,000 members, is the largest organization of diversity owned businesses throughout the United States that provide goods and services to Fortune 1000 companies, government agencies, and colleges and universities. DiversityBusiness provides research and data collection services for diversity including the "Top 50 Organizations for Multicultural Business Opportunities", "Top 500 Diversity Owned Companies in America", and others. Its research has been recognized and published by Forbes Magazine, Business Week and thousands of other print and internet publications. The site has gained national recognition and has won numerous awards for its content and design. DiversityBusiness reaches more diverse suppliers and communicates more information to them on a more frequent basis then all other organizations combined. We also communicate with mainstream businesses, government agencies and educational institutions with information related to diversity. Our magazine reaches over 300,000 readers, a monthly e-newsletter that reaches 2.4 million, and website visitors of 1.2 million a month. It is a leading provider of Supplier Diversity management tools and has the most widely distributed Diversity magazine in the United States. DiversityBusiness.com is produced by Computer Consulting Association. http://www.diversitybusiness.com/news/diversity.magazine/99200836.asp If you would like help with your workplace ergonomics contact Ergonomic Partners at www.ergonomicpartners.com or sales@ergonomicpartners.com |
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Gorbel Work Station Cranes are helping a manufacturing plant load their finished product to trailers with ease and efficiency.
Application
A plant in the Midwest that makes air conditioning units was looking for a better way to take their packaged air conditioning units off the assembly line and load them onto trailers. They had been using forklifts to transfer the packages to the trailer, but this method was inefficient, and all the fork truck traffic led to congestion on the plant floor. The customer considered an Automated Conveyor System, but determined it would be cost prohibitive.
Gorbel’s Solution
They decided to try a work station crane system instead. They bought a Free Standing Bridge Crane
with Aluminum Bridges. They used it with a custom designed "stacker crane” end effector. This unique
end tooling has 360 degree rotation, can move up and down, and has forks to lift the pallets. This winning combination has been proven to be very successful for the customer. The crane system
allows them to load the trailer more quickly than was possible with the fork trucks - and all the congestion from the back and forth fork truck traffic has been eliminated!
They chose to replace some of their fork lift trucks with Gorbel cranes in order to load packaged units onto trailers. Productivity was increased and fork truck congestion was eliminated.
Ergonomic Partners has extensive experience in handling air conditioning coils, condensers, and bodies. If the relatively new EPA standards have made your parts too hard to handle with manpower we can help.
Contact us at sales@ergonomicpartners.com or visit us at www.ergonomicpartners.com
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Pet Food Company Takes Pain Out Of Processing Operation with work station crane.
"If you get one lost time accident, obviously that’s too many because the first thing you think of is workers being safe. Just one injury can also cost the company an awful lot of money long term."
Problem: Workers were lifting 45 lb. frozen meat slabs manually from a pallet, then had to twist and push the slabs onto a conveyor dozens of times in an 8-hour shift. Injuries and fatigue became a major problem, and the company decided to seek a more ergonomic method of moving the meat.
Solution: A Gorbel ceiling mounted work station crane with a vacuum lifter. The system features 22’ trussed runways and a 19’ bridge with 250 pound capacity, which covers the entire area where meat is dropped off and loaded onto the conveyor. A vacuum lifter with a skirt attachment allows workers to pick each piece and move it to the conveyor. Vacuum lifter can be used in many food applications. Stainless steel vacuum systems attachments are typically used for food applications.
Results: Workers realized quickly that with the help of the Gorbel work station crane, they were able to work quickly without getting tired and slowing down midway through their shift like they would by lifting manually.
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| he CM Lodestar Cleanroom Hoist has been designed and built with your complete cleanroom hygiene needs in mind. Specifically designed for most situations where USDA approved or food-grade hoists are required, the CM Lodestar Cleanroom Hoist is also an ideal hoist for use in electronic cleanrooms and in the biotechnology, aerospace and semi-conductor fields. The CM Cleanroom Hoist's sealed weather-proof construction makes it ideal for full washdown and high humidity environments, offering you superior e fficiency and versatility for your cleanroom material handling needs. The CM Cleanroom hoist's ¼, ½, 1 and 2 ton single and two-speed options provide heavy-duty lifting power inapplications needing the sanitary regulations of a food manufacturing hoist, an electronic room hoist or pharmaceutical hoist. he CM Lodestar Cleanroom Hoist can also be valuably employed as a medical hoist and hospital hoist where cleanliness is imperative. Further enhancing the hygienic characteristics of the CM Cleanroom Hoist is its use of non-oxidizing grease for lubrication, FDA-approved white epoxy powder coat paint or nickel-plated housing, and a stainless steel loadchain. A variety of accessories such as stainless steel hooks, links, slings and corrosion resistant trolleys and CM also offers the "Zephyr" cleanroom hand chain hoist for use in similar clean environments where portability is key. ![]()
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Wearwell has a new product which many of you have been looking for. Many customers have asked for a clean room mat. Well, we can help with the Wearwell mats described below. Now we can help! |
| Pūr-Comfort No. 504 is Wearwell’s new anti-fatigue mat certified for use in ISO class 5 clean rooms. This exceptionally comfortable mat meets requirements of critical environments across a wide variety of industries (including no particulation and very low levels of outgassing). Pūr-Comfort is a mat like none other and one that clean room managers have been clamoring for. I know because I have been fielding those calls for over 15 years!!! http://www.wearwell.com/Critical-Environments/PurComfort.html |
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| PermaTack No. 092 is a unique, re-useable, high performance contamination control mat designed to prevent debris and bacteria from entering critical or sterile areas. Able to trap and hold even the smallest particles or microbes, PermaTack is exceptionally functional inside hospitals, labs, pharmacies and manufacturing or assembly facilities where cross-contamination must be prevented. PermaTack can also be a big aspect of an infection control program. And if your customers are concerned about sustainability, PermaTack is a – “Green” alternative” to multiple layer tacky mats. http://www.wearwell.com/Critical-Environments/PermaTack.html |
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| Both Pūr-Comfort No. 504 and PermaTack No. 092 are in stock and available for immediate shipment. Single page brochures are available for both of these exciting new products. Please contact us at sales@ergonomicpartners.com or call 314-766-4578 for more information |
Fifteen U.S. workers die on the job every day, leaving behind family, friends and co-workers, and an employer who has to explain why. The single most common cause of the problem — complacency.
In the realm of workplace safety, practitioners define complacency as the attitude that “nothing will happen to me.”
And the No. 1 cause of that attitude is managers who are satisfied with mediocre safety performance. They fail to raise safety awareness, which helps to eliminate the potential for injury and improve the overall work environment.
What happens next is inevitable: Employees lose sight of safety’s importance because to them it appears management isn’t terribly concerned, either. They start to think they are not even responsible for their own personal safety at work, which is truly a remarkable transformation.
It happens every day. Overtime, as this situation is allowed to run its course, employees blame management and management blames the employees. In the meantime, people might be getting hurt and the bottom line is taking a beating with higher workers’ comp costs, fines, turnover, morale, etc.
So what can C-level managers do? Double-check that your own team hasn’t fallen into the safety complacency trap.
Managers are susceptible to complacency when other pressing issues such as increased productivity, improved quality and higher profits push safety concerns too far to the rear.
The only remedy that really works is re-commitment to safety that begins at the top.
Leadership must require managers to renew their own commitment to the safety process, while at the same time engage employees to get involved in meaningful safety activities.
Any attempt to reinvigorate a company-wide safety effort should include these 4 “musts for managers:
1. Take time to walk around and talk with employees
2. Make it a point to review all near-miss and injury reports.
3. Integrate safety into all aspects of management planning.
4. Enable employees to get involved in the safety process.
To get employees involved, require or encourage them to:
1. Report all unsafe conditions.
2. Attend safety meetings
3. Serve on safety committees
4. Participate in accident/incident investigations.
5. Share safety improvement ideas with managers.
By Rich Henson http://www.businessbrief.com/a-leading-cause-of-injuries-on-the-job/

There once were job safety rules that helped keep down the number of ergonomic injuries. They were killed by President Bush and a GOP-run Congress.
Ergonomic injuries, also called musculo-skeletal and repetitive-motion injuries are by far the most common injuries workers get when they go to work. Hundreds of thousands of these injuries happen annually, costing millions of lost workdays.
Exact figures are no longer available because the Bush administration, after trashing the ergonomics rules, trashed separate rules requiring companies to report the number of such ailments.
Examples of ergonomic injuries include the back injuries health care workers suffer after they lift and turn patients, without benefit of mechanical assistance, and carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition of nerve degeneration requiring arm or hand surgery. Carpal tunnel affects categories of workers ranging from typists to meat cutters.
Recently, President Obama recruited Jordan Barab, a long-time occupational safety and health specialist and activist, for the position of acting director of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Barab spoke about ergonomics at a May 5 legislative conference of union nurses in Washington D.C. He assured them that the Obama administration is committed to bringing back regulation in this area.
During the last year of the Clinton administration, after 10 years of lobbying by the labor movement and hard work by people inside and outside the Clinton White House, the Department of Labor issued a rule designed to reduce ergonomic injuries. The very first bill that Bush signed into law, after he was installed in the White House by the Supreme Court, was a law that repealed all the ergonomic injury rules.
“I remember the rules very well,” Barab, who worked in Clinton’s Department of Labor, told the nurses. “I remember nurses testifying, in tears, about ergonomic back injuries that cost them the careers they loved.
“We either have to get the repeal repealed, or go sector by sector to create new ergonomic rules,” he told the nurses. A third alternative, Barab added, “is to sit down with everyone,” including unions and business “to see what will work in the workplace and politically, to get around the repeal law.”
We can help your company be proactive and protect your workers now. Contact us at sales@ergonomicpartners.com





“We got one system in and it was so much easier to move...less operator fatigue, easier to position the parts in the machines. We've completely switched over the machine shop to all Gorbel Bridge Cranes.” - Arlen Seeman, Professional Engineer
View the video Testimonial...https://www.gorbel.com/videos/Testimony.html
| Are You Looking For A Lighter, More Cost Effective Solution For Suspended Tools? | |
| | Are you looking to:
We now offer Tool Solution Jibs that will work for applications with suspended tools. These jibs are ideal for welding, fabricating, assembly tools, air tools, and light capacity lifting applications. |
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| What is our offering?
For more information contact Ergonomic Partners, Inc. at sales@ergonomicpartners.com or visit www.ergonomicpartners.com |
| Work Station Crane Aids Welding Ventilation System Without Workflow Interruption... | |
| This metal fabrication shop was having an overabundance of weld exhaust in their welding stations and did not have a good way to remove the weld pollutants. Most options for ventilation in these work cells involved the construction of walls or partitions which restricted traffic flow near the workspace. One of the challenges they faced was that they still needed to load and unload gas tanks of various sizes and shapes to the work cell using an existing overhead Cleveland Tramrail® Patented Track Crane. Solution: A Freestanding Work Station Crane with a 900-pound Frommelt filtration hood secured between two steel bridges with tractor drives. The work station crane has cantilevered supports on each end to enable the existing overhead crane to continue to deliver products to the work cell. |
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| The system spans two welding work cells, and has push button controls on both ends to engage the tractor drives and move the hood over the desired cell. Limit switches signal to the tractor drive when the hood is in place and stops the movement. Whether you need custom solutions such as the above or a standard jib crane, overhead bridge crane, hoist or workstaion crane contact us at sales@ergonomicpartners.com | |
| The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 |
| Creating Jobs, Supporting the States and Investing in Our Country’s Future The United States is facing its deepest economic crisis since the Great Depression, one that calls for swift, bold action. The goals of this legislation are the same as they have been from day one: to strengthen the economy now and invest in our country’s future. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act extends for purchases made in 2009 increased Section 179 expensing for small business equipment purchases, as well as a 50% bonus depreciation allowance for new machine tools and other equipment ordered and placed in service during 2009. ü The boost to $250,000 in Section 179 expensing is extended for new and used equipment purchases made and placed in service in 2009 The amount decrease to $128,000 in 2010. Moreover, the cap on how much equipment can be purchased to enjoy the write-off remains at $800,000 in 2009. In 2010, that amount drops to $510,000. ü The one-year 50% bonus depreciation means you can write off in 2009 an extra 50% of the cost of your new equipment that you buy and start using in 2009 (* Qualifying companies can still receive the 50% bonus depreciation if the new equipment they order has a recovery period of 10 years or more, takes more than a year to produce and costs more than $1 million. Under those circumstances, they are given until the end of 2009 to place the equipment into service.) Read more and view examples on how these incentives can work for you and your customers. Here are some other documents that are useful in explaining the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act: |
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Does your company have men in high places without fall protection. Need a safer and more economical way to provide fall protection? Well Gorbel has a new product that may be of interest to your company.
TETHER TRACK™ bridge or monorail systems are a reliable, cost-effective way to reduce the risk of injury in elevated work environments. Compared to wire rope systems, TETHER TRACK™ offers shorter free fall distances, reduced risk of secondary fall injuries, longer distances between support centers, and no negative impact on a second worker in the event of someone falling.
Features and Benefits:
Options and Accessories:

With this solution, productivity increased 25% and injuries have been eliminated.
The Problem: A large overhead crane is in the area, but it is slow, bulky, and a shared resource for multiple neighboring work cells, and therefore delayed the work flow for those waiting on the crane. This prompted many workers to lift parts manually, with larger parts requiring two people to lift. Back injuries were the leading workers compensation problem for the company, and the sequencing of the work flow was not ideal.
Why Easy Arm™ Was The Smart Solution:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Magnetek, Inc. Announces the Release of the |
MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. - January 23, 2009 -Magnetek, Inc. today announced the release of its new Sway Control System (SCS) Series 2™ for the material handling industry. This custom software can be embedded in the Company’s IMPULSE®•G+ Series 3 variable frequency drives for new or existing crane control systems without the need for external programmable logic controllers or height measurement devices. Our new Sway Control System custom software improves productivity by allowing the crane operator to concentrate on load engagement and disengagement rather than focusing on minimizing load swing. The system also improves the accuracy of load placement and reduces material damage caused by incidental contact of swinging loads,” said Aaron Kureck, Magnetek product manager of AC/DC Controls/Motors. The new Sway Control System has been designed to integrate seamlessly with existing travel motion features incorporated in the IMPULSE•G+ Series 3 drive. Since no additional external hardware is required, retrofitting existing crane controls is simplified. Magnetek’s Sway Control System was also designed to eliminate the requirement for an absolute encoder, and is also capable of controlling sway for multiple hoists on the same bridge crane. For more information on Magnetek’s new Sway Control System visit www.ergonomicpartners.com, or call 1-314-402-7775. |
Why did we feel the need to expand the line?
What makes this design a homerun?
Conference Date: February 23-25, 2009 Conference Registration Scholarships Available through INSafe! Click here for application. Who Should Attend:
Here’s what people had to say about the 2008 Indiana Safety & Health Expo and Conference: “I really enjoyed the conference. I can’t wait to get back to work and put some of the things I’ve learned to practice.” – Craig Koenig, Koch Development (Holiday World) “I had a great time meeting other peers and sharing ideas! I gained beneficial knowledge I can take back to my employees. And the participating vendors were great assets regarding the latest products and technology available to improve safety for each of our industries.” – Tim Roberts, Farbest Foods, Inc. “This conference was very good, and I would attend again. It provided a lot of information I can use in daily work functions.” – Cristine McKinley, Caterpillar “I loved the expo. There was a huge variety of vendors. I learned a lot in the sessions.” – Dawn Query, Crown Equipment “I’m very pleased with the top notch speakers and quality of safety information. I’m pleased with the information to take back to our company and share with our employees.” – Karmen L. Glaspy, Corporate Safety and Training Manager, Syndicate Sales, Inc. “The seminars were among the best I had ever seen or sat through!” – Debbie Peetz, Acuity Brands Lighting “This conference is very informative and a great opportunity to meet with other safety professionals.” – Wayne Orcutt, INDOT Conference Organizing Committee:
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New Monorail and Hoist Certification
Programs
The Monorail Manufacturers Association (MMA) and the Hoist Manufacturer's Institute (HMI) recently introduced the MMA-Certified Program for enclosed track workstation cranes, monorails and patented track systems and the HMI-Certified Program for manual hoists, manual and powered trolleys, powered chain hoists, and powered wire rope hoists.
The MMA-Certified Program was developed by the MMA to instill confidence in product specifiers and end users through evidence that the MMA-Certified products meet the American National Standards (ANSI) MH27.1 or MH27.2 Specifications, and that the products are properly supported in the market.
The HMI-Certified Program was developed by the HMI to instill confidence in product specifiers and end users through evidence that the HMI-Certified products meet one or more recognized standards, and that the products are properly supported in the market.
The certification consists of two sections. The first section consists of a review by a registered professional engineer to determine that the product design meets or exceeds the design requirements of one or more recognized standards by completing the Declaration of Conformity – Technical. Upon affirmation of this, the Declaration of Conformity - Technical is stamped by the registered professional engineer. The second section addresses service and support. A Declaration of Conformity – Service and Support is signed by the company’s CEO. This Declaration of Conformity – Service and Support affirms that the company provides:
1. Literature and manuals that address safety, installation, maintenance, warranty, and replacement parts.
2. Product training and technical support.
3. Availability of spare parts for the “life cycle” of the product.
4. Qualified service and repair capability.
5. Proof of adequate liability insurance.
The Monorail Manufacturers Association administers MMA-Certified and only those products that have met the technical, support and service requirements can display the MMA-Certified logo. Companies having earned the MMA-Certified status for their products will display the MMA-Certified logo on their products, literature and brochures.
The Hoist Manufacturer's Institute HMI-Certified allows that only those products that have met the technical, support and service requirements can display the HMI-Certified logo. Companies having earned the HMI-Certified status for their products will display the HMI-Certified logo on their products, literature and brochures.
For more information on these certification programs, visit www.MMAcertified.org and www.HMIcertified.org.
If you would like more information about the standards or on workstation enclosed track systems please contact us at sales@ergonomicpartners.com
