Ergonomic Vacuum Lifter Reduces Back Strain for Packaging Operation

Cynergy Ergonomics, St. Louis, Mo., USA, reports that its vacuum lifter has proved to reduce back strain and the workers comp claims that accompany them for a manufacturer of water softeners. The purpose-designed lifter allows an operator to lift the 10-lb. box, open it, and then position it over a water softener that is already fastened to a pallet for final packaging and shipment. 

 

Prior to installing the Cynergy vacuum lifter, this process was completed manually despite the awkward maneuvering required of lifting the heavy box and positioning it over the pallet-mounted water softener. Shoulder and back aches and strains were common, as were the accompanying workers comp claims and lost-time incidents. After installation of the ergonomic lifting device, however, claims have dwindled and lost-time incidents have been eliminated.

 

In addition to providing a safer work environment, the lifter has also created a more accessible one. Since there is no longer a lifting component to this position, company officials have re-classified this job so that it can be filled by any workers within the plant.

 

Cynergy Ergonomics engineers studied the task at hand, along with the plant environment and utilities available prior to recommending a solution. The resulting vacuum lifter uses 12-in. round Vi-Cas vacuum cups to hold the 10-lb. box during the lifting and positioning process, and is powered by compressed air that was readily available nearby.  

 

A video showing this ergonomic vacuum lifter in action is available online.

 

Cynergy Ergonomics specializes in ergonomic workstations and material handling equipment such as lifts, articulating arm manipulators, sheet, panel, and roll lifters, vacuum tube lifting, roll manipulators, and material handling equipment. The company specializes in lifting device design, lift assist system designs, material handling vertical lifts, manual ergonomic pick and place systems, and workstation improvements for manufacturing, assembly, production and distribution centers that currently use human power for material handling as well as providing automated material handling solutions.