Moving equipment incorrectly can result in serious injuries. More than 1 million workers report lower back injuries every year due to improper load lifting and moving techniques, which costs companies billions of dollars in workers’ compensation, medical costs, legal fees, and lost time. As an employer, it is your responsibility to protect your workforce and ensure a safe working environment for them.
Providing an ergonomic working environment is one way to ensure your employees don’t get injured handling heavy loads. The right ergonomic equipment moving systems will ensure that your workers aren’t exposed to any risks associated with poor load lifting and moving techniques.
Importance of Ergonomic Equipment Moving Techniques
Did you know there was a correct and an incorrect way of moving equipment? If your employees move the equipment by pushing it or dragging it manually, they’re at a huge risk of long-term injuries. Below are some reasons why you must ensure ergonomic equipment moving techniques at your workplace.
Prevent Back Strain
Moving heavy equipment manually puts excessive strain on your back. Back strain can cause back pain. If you continue to handle equipment manually, the strain will worsen and result in chronic back pain, making it difficult for you to work. However, ergonomic equipment moving techniques will ensure your back doesn’t get strained from pushing the weight too hard.
Reduce the Risk of Musculoskeletal Disorders
Improper material handling and equipment moving techniques can also put you at risk of musculoskeletal disorders. When you move heavy equipment incorrectly, you put stress on your muscles, joints, and connective tissue. Prolonged stress to the body can result in pain and even in complete loss of function in severe cases. Musculoskeletal disorders are a group of disorders that can be extremely costly to cure. In many cases, they result in lifelong conditions.
Fractures and Injuries
Moving heavy equipment incorrectly can lead to serious injuries and fractures. Workplace injuries result in loss of productivity and increase the costs for the employer (workers’ compensation, medical costs, etc.)
Important Ergonomic Equipment Moving Systems You Should Look into
The good news is that you can prevent the risks associated with poor equipment moving techniques. Numerous ergonomic equipment moving systems available today can make the task of moving heavy equipment easier, quicker, and safer for your employees.
Lift Tables
Lift tables are equipped with hydraulic systems to lift heavy loads to the appropriate level for the worker. With a lift table, the worker doesn’t have to bend all the way down to the level of the equipment. They can simply lift the load to a suitable height and lift it up without having to bend. This reduces the risk of their back getting strained.
Turntables
Turntables enable the workers to turn heavy equipment. Instead of having to move all across the equipment, they can simply press a button or rotate the equipment any way they like based on their requirements.
Pallet Handling Equipment
Pallet handling equipment enables workers to lift heavy pallets without having to exert any force on their bodies. With this equipment, all they have got to do is pull a pulley, and the pallet is raised. The workers can then conveniently move the pallets around as they wish.
Air Casters
Air casters make it possible for workers to move heavy equipment effortlessly, even if the equipment weighs several thousand pounds. Air casters make load transportation easier and safer for the workers involved. These are airbags that lift the object off the ground when inflated, bearing all the weight, thereby ensuring the worker doesn’t have to exert any force to do the task.
Final Word
The key feature of ergonomic equipment moving systems is that they provide workers comfort. The more comfortable workers are, the lower the risk of poor ergonomics-related health conditions.
If you’re looking for ergonomic equipment moving systems, visit Hovair Systems. Our cutting-edge air-bearing technology is changing the face of load transportation.