Bridge Crane Addition Ends Lost Time Accidents
Existing Gorbel user Hawe North America discovered they had a problem with a new product assembly workflow. This new work cell for hydraulic power units required workers to pick and place large parts during the assembly process. The power units themselves were large, awkwardly shaped, and weighed up to 2,000 lb.
The company was concerned about ergonomics and safety issues for its workers, but the immediate solution of a forklift had numerous problems. The limited mobility would slow down production beyond what was considered acceptable, and safety for the workers remained a major issue. In addition, the cost of the equipment, coupled with the inevitable maintenance costs to keep the forklifts running, appeared to be a poor investment for such limited benefits.
Safe Solution Increases Productivity
Overall, four specific problems were identified:
Safely moving large, awkward-shaped parts weighing up to 2,000 lb Lost time accidents due to ergonomic issues in the work cell Forklifts had limited mobility and slowed down production High maintenance costs to keep forklifts running
A Gorbel system was the obvious best choice as the company had been very happy with Gorbel products, warranty, and service for other assembly applications in the past. So instead of forklifts, the company chose to go with two freestanding 19 ft side-by-side Gorbel Aluminum Bridge Systems with 63 ft steel runways and 2,000 lb capacity. The two systems share common center posts.
The workers' response to the new equipment has been very positive and the company is very satisfied with the increase in productivity. Not only has the new system solved numerous ergonomic and safety issues, but the company has had zero lost time accidents since the install.
