When you work in manufacturing, lifting heavy objects often is part of your job. Yet if you regularly have to lift a 50-pound part, you likely will suffer a workplace back injury at one point. In fact, overexertion from lifting, lowering and repetitive motion is one of the most common reasons for workplace injuries that result in employees missing time from work.

Lift-assist devices

Now, more and more employers are implementing cutting-edge technology with lift-assist devices to prevent workplace lift injuries. These lift-assist devices often are customized to meet specific applications for employers. For instance, modern lift-assist devices can:

• rotate parts into specific angles
• come equipped with turntables to rotate parts
• have powerful magnets that keep parts attached to the device
• have extended handles so employees can avoid having to bend down to operate them

Some lift-assist devices are scissor lift tables, that easily raise or lower and tilt at an angle. These devices allow workers to work on manufacturing parts at an ergonomic height that works specifically for them. Some devices allow 360 degrees of rotation, for multiple different assembly needs.

Other advantages of lift-assist devices

These cutting-edge lift-assist devices not only prevent workplace injuries. They allow employers to expand the types of workers employers can hire. Instead of hiring employees who can lift 50 pounds several times a day, employers can hire employees who only have to lift about five pounds. More job seekers are able to do that.

Employers also not only reduce the costs associated with treating workplace lift injuries, but they also have employees who miss less time from work because of injury. Thus, worker productivity increases, sometimes up to 20%. These factors motivate employers to look for more ways to implement lift-assist devices and better ergonomics.

There’s no doubt that technology will continue to bring new innovations that protect employee safety even more while also increasing productivity. In the next decade, manufacturing facilities likely will include even more robotics and high-tech assembly features.