Lift Truck Ergonomics
"Ergonomics is the scientific study of how humans interact effectively with machines. It is also the art of taking what science tells us and applying it, appropriately and in context, to a particular human/machine interface."
"With labor costs being such a large part of warehouse operating expenses, any enhancement in productivity realized through ergonomic design improvements, such as simultaneously operable controls, will be welcome news to users. The same applies to long-term health care costs reduced by avoiding cumulative trauma disorders, another outcome of good ergonomic design."
Source: The Warehouse Management Handbook, Second Edition, Tompkins Press, 1998
Increasing Operator Comfort Provides Quantifiable Business Benefits
Studies in ergonomics show that increasing the lift truck operator's comfort provides quantifiable business benefits in terms of:
- Higher productivity
- Increased job satisfaction
- Improved health and energy levels
- Reduced absence from work
The Raymond Corporation has developed and accumulated a wealth of ergonomic knowledge specific to the design of electric forklift trucks. This includes detailed task analysis - understanding the job the operator/truck combination is expected to do, what performance is expected, and at what level of comfort.
Ergonomic improvements to Raymond® lift trucks over the years cover many areas. They include, but are not limited to: reduced controls effort and movement, operator compartments that offer more flexibility and enhanced visibility; better placement of controls; and reductions in noise and vibration.
Because Ergonomics plays a major role in a lift truck's productivity and in the operator's ability to feel comfortable using the truck, ergonomic factors should be carefully evaluated when buying a lift truck.
Download your free, comprehensive Ergonomic Evaluation Checklist for Lift Trucks (99KB)
Browse our Technical Papers that outline Ergonomics information specific to Reach-Fork ® Truck applications:
- Universal Stance Helps Lift Truck Operators Perform Better
- Ergonomics and Reach Truck Applications - The Connection Between Ergonomics and Reach Truck Performance
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©2001-2008 The Raymond Corporation, Greene, NY 13778, 607-656-2311