Lift Tables Improve Ergonomics for an Office Furniture Manufacturer 

The Problem 

At this high-end office furniture manufacturer, the production process includes a sanding operation to prepare the tops of conference tables for various stains and final finish. Operators employed in sanding the table tops formerly worked at 30″ high work platforms – a height too low for comfortable sanding of hard to reach areas. Excessive bending and stretching led to numerous back complaints. “One of the primary concerns is the welfare of our workers. We recognized we had an ergonomics problem at the sanding workstation and we set about correcting it.”

The Solution 

Management at the plant has been working on ergonomic improvements for several years and, after consultation with a nearby Southworth distributor, they installed a lift table was installed for the sanding operation. The lift table is used to elevate the entire workstation platform to better position the work eliminate bending and stretching on the part of the operators. The table proved to be the first of 14 lifts that have since been installed at the plant for a variety of ergonomically beneficial applications. 
 

Among its features are a large 24″ x 48″ platform, heavy gauge steel components, a full 36″ lift, and profiled legs for added strength. All pivot points have hardened and ground pins that operate lubricated for life, virtually maintenance free bushings. Heavy-duty hoses have a burst strength 350% greater than the hydraulic operating pressure. Human engineered controls include a choice of pushbutton or foot switch operation for fast, precise positioning at desired heights. The entire table, including power unit, controls, and hydraulic fluid, is shipped fully assembled and ready to use. 
 

“In addition to improved productivity and worker satisfaction, we’ve had a definite reduction in the number of claims in workman’s compensation that could be directly attributable to back injuries. The units have really done the job for us.”