Despite safety procedures, workers will still try to lift and carry items that weigh between 40 and 100 pounds without assistance. There’s something in the human psyche that says, “That doesn’t seem so heavy; I can do this myself.” That 60-pound weight range is the source of back injuries that cost U.S. businesses more than $1 billion a year in lost man-hours, medical costs, workers’ compensation and disability payments.
Back strain due to overexertion is one of the greatest causes of employee injury in the American workplace. Only the common cold fells more workers. In fact, 25% of workplace injuries are due to overexertion, according to the National Safety Council. NIOSH estimates that overexertion injuries cost American business 12 million lost workdays and $1 billion in compensation costs each year. Lower back injuries account for 60% of overexertion injuries. Nearly one-quarter of all workers’ compensation claims are for back injuries, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. OSHA estimates that at least one in five disabling work injuries is a back injury.
Ergonomic design has been proven to significantly reduce overexertion and back injuries. By applying ergonomic principles to work station design, equipment and worker movements, back strain can be virtually eliminated. The only wild card is that over-zealous employee anxious to show off his muscles!
Ergonomically designed carts, tugs and lifts take the burden off worker muscles. Lifts can place tasks at the correct height for sorting, picking, packing and storage. Powered carts and tugs can move materials to designated work areas with no to minimal worker effort. DJ Products sells a variety of ergonomically designed carts to fit the needs of business and industry. One of our big bruisers, the heavy-duty CartCaddy HD, is designed to push, pull or maneuver carts or equipment up to 50,000 pounds. The electric lift option and mover arm allow adaptability to any size load or cart. It even allows the cart to pivot a full 180 degrees under the arm for maximum maneuverability.
Visit the DJ Products website for other ergonomic solutions that are designed to improve efficiency and productivity in your plant while decreasing potential worker injury.