Ergonomic Lifting Study: Using Ergonomic Assist Devices to Increase Productivity and Reduce Product Damage

The following summary is based on a study performed by the Rochester Institute of Technology. The complete study is available by contacting Gorbel at (800) 821-0086 or at www.gorbel.com/gforce/study. The study compared the performance of Gorbel's G-Force® Intelligent Lifting Device to manual lifting, an air balancer with pendant control, a variable frequency chain hoist, an electric balancer and an air balancer with electric controls.

The study focused on performance of these devices in the following applications: High Cycle Applications * Productivity * Energy expenditure Precision Placements * Productivity * Energy expenditure * Potential for product damage Quick Change in Direction (Inertia Management) * Handling force required to reverse direction * Handling force required to raise and lower the load The subjects simulated high cycle and precision placement, tasks typically performed with lifting devices. Subjects were instructed to work as fast as reasonably possible while keeping their heart rate in a target region of 45-55% of their maximum heart rate, which is considered to be a safe working pace.