Increase safety and productivity.

Many of the jobs performed by workers in a production environment require the movement or positioning of large and heavy objects--objects that are too heavy or bulky to be safely or efficiently moved by a production worker When this is the case, it is often in the best interest of a company and the worker to use some sort of work positioner to get the job done. Commonly used work positioners include manipulators, hoists, lift tables, and tilting devices.

Manipulators and hoists are tools that aid workers in handling either heavy or awkward loads. Not only do they protect workers from unnecessary strain and possible injuries, they also prevent damage to the materials and equipment being moved or positioned. While both manipulators and hoists can be used to raise and lower loads, manipulators can provide vertical and horizontal positioning, as well as rotational

Economic and Safety Advantages

As companies face tighter OSHA regulations (and their potential fines) and skyrocketing workers' compensation insurance costs, it is in their best interest to find ways to reduce injuries. According to the National Safety Council, lost time accidents cost companies $48.5 million last year with the average lost time injury costing $18,000. Back injuries constituted 22 percent of those claims, and the dollar cost associated with back injuries were 33 percent of the total cost of all lost time accidents last year.

Through proper workplace engineering and tile use of work positioners, the number of worker injuries can be reduced. By reducing the need for repetitive lifting, bending, and reaching, the number of back injuries can be lowered, productivity increased, and morale improved.

Mitsubishi Consumer Electronics America in Braselton, Ga., has been using work positioning equipment in innovative ways since they opened their plant in 1986. Industrial engineering manager Joe Londeree helped install and test the first generation of hoists and manipulators when the plant began its production of large-screen color television sets. They continue to use a variety of manipulators and hoist to promote efficiency and protect operators from unnecessary injuries.

Mitsubishi manufacturers 27-inch through 40-inch direct view television that weigh up to 270 lbs. each. Under the guidance of their industrial engineering department, workers use manipulators and hoists throughout the various stages of production.