First published on www.eurekapub.eu / Gay Sutton

To function efficiently the busy warehouse requires a full complement of fit, well trained forklift truck operators.

But the work can exert any number of physical strains from stretching and twisting, through to vibration and jolting on uneven surfaces. If unchecked, musculoskeletal strain can result in serious occupational injury. And when a driver goes sick or is absent through injury, productivity falls, pressure increases on co-workers, and it becomes a vicious circle that can impact profitability.

Cat® Lift Trucks has invested considerable effort in recent years improving the ergonomics of the forklift trucks, and those boundaries are still being pushed. For example, the latest Cat® High Level Order Picker was awarded the Forklift Truck Association (FLTA) Ergonomics award for its active sway control mechanism. And the newest Power Pallet Truck range NPP16-20N2 has been developed with an eye on ergonomics and body vibration.

Truck design, however, is just one tool for improving the health of the truck operator. Identifying and tackling the root causes of the disorder will yield long-term results. And some of the causes are simple to spot. Whole body vibration and jolting, for example, can result in musculoskeletal disorder and debilitating pain. Sudden acceleration and hard braking can cause mini whiplash type injuries while cold temperatures only serve to increase muscle and joint stiffness. Old and ridged floor surfaces are easy to spot and repair.

Close inspection of the facility in conjunction with the forklift operators can help identify other problems that exacerbate physical discomfort, but operator involvement is essential. If the ramps between loading docks and trailers do not fit properly, for example, there is likely to be significant jolting on the forklift and the driver may need to accelerate hard to mount the ramp and then brake hard.

There are many common tools and gadgets that can be mounted on the truck, racking or the warehouse, to reduce the need for constant or extreme twisting, turning, neck craning and hard braking. For example, mirrors and CCTV cameras can provide good all round visibility of the work area, while sensors can be mounted on the truck or racking to lift the forks to exactly the right height without extreme neck craning. Man-up systems, while expensive to install, are ergonomically much safer and can yield efficiency gains.

A systemic approach, managed in conjunction with occupational health experts, is the best option for the large warehouse, while smaller operations can buy in the appropriate advice as required. However the really small business is unlikely to have a fork truck operating throughout the day, so the ergonomic issues won't be as severe.

Manufacturers, such as Cat Lift Trucks, understand that ergonomics and productivity are the major focus in business nowadays. Cat Lift Trucks focuses on providing products that are easy to manoeuvre and demand less strain for the operator while offer features that increase safety and productivity.

Cat® lift trucks' ergonomic features:
Electric Trucks.
Large entry window.
Uncluttered flat floor plate.
Fully adjustable suspension seat.
Electronic feather touch steering reducing operator fatigue.
Grab bar with integrated horn button for reverse driving.

IC Trucks
Excellent access to operator space and plenty foot space.
Adjustable ergonomically designed suspension seat.
Optimum forward and upward visibility.
Ergonomically laid out levers and pedals.
Fingertip controls mounted on a fully adjustable armrest.
Handgrip mounted at the rear of overhead guard for reversing.

Warehouse Equipment
Power Pallet Truck: Linked suspension castor wheels ensure highest possible truck stability -whatever the load. Ergonomic tiller-arm.
Low Level Order Picker: ergonomic, adjustable steering console, Low step-in and spacious platform for quick on-off access..
High Level Order Picker 'Ergolift": ergonomic working height and access for picking.
High Level Order Picker: Active sway control mechanism.

Eureka Issue 16, Gay Sutton

Or Contact

Monica Escutia
Senior Marketing Communications Coordinator
Cat Lift Trucks EAME.
t: +31 (0)36 5494 328
e: info@catlifttruck.com
w: www.catlifttruck.com