Repetitive Strain Injuries, Forklifts and Ergonomics

Over the past 20 years, businesses throughout North America have begun to recognize the risks associated with lower back pain (LBP), repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) and musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs). As 3 of the most common causes behind injury-related absenteeism and workers’ compensation claims in North America, such injuries have a significant impact on the overall economy as businesses lose billions of dollars in lost productivity, wages, and workplace insurance claims. In response to this development, businesses and forklift manufacturers have begun investing in a long neglected area of occupational health and safety – that of operator ergonomics.

How Inadequate Ergonomics Harm Your Bottom-line:

As an occupation, forklift operators are at a high risk of developing repetitive strain and musculoskeletal injuries since they spend an inordinate amount of time in a stationary or seated position. As with other professions that require employees to spend long, uninterrupted periods of time in a seated position, forklift operators are at risk of developing muscle strains, soreness and cramping in their back, neck, shoulders and arms. However, unlike their desk-bound counterparts, forklift operators are regularly subjected to additional movements and strains that exasperate an already detrimental situation.

Over the course of a regular workday, it is not uncommon for a forklift operator to shift into an awkward position or contort themselves in an effort to maintain visibility while maneuvering their equipment. This is particularly prevalent in confined, indoor workplaces as forklift operators are regularly forced to avoid obstacles, navigate through narrow aisles and around tight corners. And, since forklifts are designed without a suspension system, even the most basic operations tend to subject a forklift operator to incessant vibrations and jolts. Taken together, these two factors alone may prematurely degrade the vulnerable joints and connective tissues of the body, as well as gradually compress the spinal column and cause damage to the delicate discs between the vertebrae. 

Even before taking the physical risks associated with RSIs and MSIs into consideration, poorly designed operator ergonomics can threaten the overall productivity and profitability of any business or operation. In the absence of ergonomically designed supports and equipment, forklift operators are far more likely to experience high levels of fatigue which may lead to decreased alertness, fatigue and physical strain, poor decision-making and confusion. Fatigued operations are not only unable to maintain optimal levels of productivity, they also pose a significantly higher risk to the business’s property, inventory, equipment, and co-workers alike.

How Stärke Equipment Innovations Can Help:

To ensure that the end of an operator’s shift is just as productive as the beginning, Stärke’s new XVI series of counterbalanced forklifts includes a number of ergonomic features and improvements when compared to other, similar models.

On a basic level, designing an ergonomic forklift begins with the design and arrangement of the operator’s seat and the vehicle’s control system. Unlike the equipment they operate, forklift operators rarely come in standard sizes and dimensions. To promote proper posture regardless of the operator`s physical features, the XVI series of forklifts is equipped with an adjustable suspension seat and steering column, an ample foot well to allow the foot pedals operated at a comfortable angle, and a long operator assist grip for easy movement in and out of the forklift. 

As part of this systemic approach to operator comfort and safety, Stärke’s new range of XVI forklifts also includes a number of innovative parts and components which limit the physical strain of operators even further. With a newly designed wide-view mast system, Stärke effectively limits the health and safety risks that result from poor visibility. To reduce the noise and vibration, the XVI was engineered to include dampening devices that insulate the engine and a one-piece floating cabin further reduces the vibration felt within the operator’s compartment. 

Taken as a whole, the innovative engineering and ergonomic features included in Stärke’s new XVI series of counterbalanced forklifts represent a categorical improvement over other models within its class. In this way, Stärke continues to demonstrate its commitment to develop product solutions based upon emerging market forces, customer needs and changes to our environment. There’s strength in numbers, and Stärke is strength. 

For more information on Stärke products, pricing or availability, please contact your nearest Stärke Material Handling Dealer. Locations throughout Canada or the USA.

www.starkeforklift.com

Local: (905)-227-7554  |  Toll free: 1-877-435-4352

June 9th is Forklift Safety Day in the USA. How is Your Manufacturer Supporting it?

In acknowledgement of the second annual National Forklift Safety Day, June 9, 2015, sponsored by the Industrial Truck Association (ITA), Stärke Material Handling Group is showing their support for best practices in operator and pedestrian safety. Designated as a day of conversation and awareness concerning forklift safety, the purpose is to serve as an opportunity for manufacturers and dealers alike to educate customers on of the importance of forklift operator training, guidelines and safety practices.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) insists that all industrial lift truck operators be trained and certified in the use of their equipment.

In recent years more stringent regulations and safety requirements relating to forklift training and operation have been implemented, and many companies are recognizing the significance of safety programs and appropriate training for their forklift operators.

Forklift Operator Safety Awareness training courses are facilitated by certified trainers and available throughout North America through Stärke dealers and independents. These courses are an interactive experience for both new and experienced operators, drawing from experience to encourage open discussion.

Forklifts are heavy pieces of equipment with many particulars in operating them safely; they should be treated with respect by the operator, and all others coming in close proximity.  If driven by an untrained operator or in an unsafe manner a lift truck can cause extensive damage to buildings, racking, cargo, or worst of all - can cause injury or death to operators or other workers.

Safety isn’t negotiable. Companies who employ untrained lift truck operators are putting themselves, their employees, and pedestrians at risk. Be safe and respect the equipment and the people who come into contact with it.

For more information on Forklift Safety visit our Safety Tips section of the website.

Find important Forklift FAQ’s on our website here.

The Mini Forklift by Stärke has Arrived!

This compact, flexible and durable forklift with German engineered drive axle and mast is now available through the Stärke Material Handling Group across North America.

Revolutionize your factory, warehouse or indoor work site with the ability to go from one end of your facility to the other, and deliver materials right to the production line or workstation, without weight, height or width restrictions. The Stärke 3-wheel Mini Forklift is your compact, light-duty, narrow aisle workhorse that loves tight spaces.

Perfect for indoor applications where size matters; the Mini Forklift has an impressive turning radius and is also suitable for construction projects where a light-weight portable lift is required. The Mini works in tight retail settings and trailer loading/unloading applications as well.

The cost of one Mini Forklift will save your facility money right away by eliminating multiple light-weight electric pallet trucks and walkies - replacing them with one unit that can do it all - while affording the same easy operation you will find in a standard forklift.

With its overhead guard the Stärke Mini improves the safety of the operator from falling overhead objects, common in a warehousing application, while the LED exterior safety lights alert others of its presence.

The Stärke Mini will prove itself time and again through strength of product, cost, warranty, parts support and ease of use. When Stärke builds a product, they build it tough! Stärke means Strength.

Imagine the possibilities.

To learn more about this versatile forklift please visit http://www.starkeusa.com/electric-3-4-wheel-counterbalance-forklifts.php  or  in Canada http://www.starkecanada.com/electric-3-4-wheel-counterbalance-forklifts.php