BUSINESS:

FURNITURE

APPLICATION: Lifting in-process and complete pieces of furniture. The Problem: It took two men to accomplish this task per area. The large pieces of wood lifting onto machines, and lifting finished goods 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 only be performed manually. System Chosen: VacuHoist® model VH 180-T (275 Lb. Capacity) vacuum lifting systems with multiple suction cup attachments were suspended from ErgoSys Ceiling Mounted Bridge Cranes (500 Lb. Capacity) for finished goods loading onto pallets. VacuHoist® model VH 180 (225Lb. Capacity) vacuum lifting systems with multiple suction cup attachments were suspended from ErgoSys Freestanding Articulating Jib Cranes (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 eliminates the integration of various manufacturers components and the resultant field start-up problems. Why This System Was Selected: The Ceiling Mounted Bridge Cranes were chosen for final goods packaging because of their modular, flexible, design, allowing for a large palletizing area to be covered efficiently. The articulating Jib Crane was chosen for in-process material transfer for its ability to go around and under obstacles present in the manufacturing environment. The VacuHoist® lifting systems were chosen in both locations for their simple, reliable and safe operation. 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 each location, reducing overall labor costs. Cost Effectiveness: The cost of the entire system was less than the cost of one lifting related back injury claim, and the cost of damaged product due to mishandling was completely eliminated.