Information on this page is drawn from "Sheetmetal Worker: Fixture supporting on-site pre-fabrication of ductwork" published by intel

NOTE: Request for permission pending.

Task

Assembling sheetmetal duct units.

Exposure

The size and weight of the units requires workers to manually lift heavy sheet metal parts to assemble the finished duct unit. The process puts them into awkward postures and requires forceful exertion exposing them to musculoskeletal risk.

Intervention

A fixture created out of unistrut and steel, and a power driven mechanical lift allowed the workers to re-position the unit in the process of building it. Typically, two workers build the units. When work demands took one worker to another task, the fixture allowed one worker to continue to build a unit without exposure to awkward posture or forceful exertion as well. Sheetmetal personnel were responsible for this innovative work method. They believe they tripled their output. Two workers were able to perform this task, freeing up two workers to do other tasks. An ergonomic success and efficiency windfall.

Material

The materials can be purchased off-the-shelf. The design and construction adds cost, however, the elimination of worker exposure to awkward posture and forceful exertion is significant.

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Sheetmetal Worker: Fixture supporting on-site pre-fabrication of ductwork