Lift-Assist Device

A lift-assist device designed by Cynergy Ergonomics has proven to simplify the manufacturing of wood and steel doors while significantly enhancing safety. This purpose-designed lifter allows a single operator to lift and manipulate 300-lb. doors through various stages of the manufacturing process. 

Prior to installation of the lifter, these operations were manually accomplished by three workers, and shoulder and back aches and strains, and fatigue were common, as were the accompanying workers comp claims and lost-time incidents. After installation of the ergonomic lifting device, however, claims have stopped, and lost-time incidents have been eliminated. In addition to handling production parts, these ergonomic lifters are suitable for work-in-process components, finished goods, pack-out areas, raw materials stock or items that are heavy, bulky or cumbersome to move manually.

Besides providing a safer work environment, the lifter has also created a more accessible one. Because there is no longer a lifting component to this position, company officials have reclassified this job so that it can be filled by any workers within the plant.

Cynergy Ergonomics engineers studied the task at hand, along with the plant environment and utilities available prior to recommending a solution.  The resulting lifter uses vacuum-based end tooling to attach to the doors.  The operator can then raise, rotate and pitch the doors as needed by pressing the corresponding control levers.