APPLICATION: Palletizing bags (up to 100 Lbs.) of packaged specialty chemicals for shipment. The Problem: It took two men to accomplish this task per shift, they had to constantly rotate in order to minimize operator fatigue. The constant lifting, turning and placing onto pallets caused a serious safety threat, from the possibility of a back injury from repetitive lifting to someone actually dropping product on themselves.
Alternatives: The operation could be performed manually or a fully automated line could have been installed, although volume did not justify its large expense.
System Chosen: A VacuHoist ® model VH 160 (150 Lbs. Capacity) vacuum lifting system with a bag attachment was suspended from an ErgoSys Ceiling Mounted Crane (250 Lb. Capacity). All equipment chosen was manufactured by Ergonomic Handling Systems. The components of the system were specifically engineered to provide the most efficient work handling method. The single source responsibility eliminated the integration of various manufacturers components and the resultant field start-up problems. Why This System Was Selected: This System was chosen for: Safety Reasons: the operators were no longer lifting the products manually, reducing the risk of lifting related injuries
Ergonomic Issues: The work could now be accomplished by one person, and it could be either gender.
Productivity: The task could now be performed by one operator for an entire shift, instead of three in constant rotation.
Cost Effectiveness: The cost of the entire system was less than the cost of one lifting related back injury claim, and only a fraction (10%) of the cost of fully automating the line.
