Terex Utilities Wins Humantech's Sixth Annual Find It -- Fix It Challenge™

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Nov. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Humantech, Inc. announced Terex Utilities, a division of Terex Ariel Work Platforms (AWP) as the winner of its sixth annual Find It – Fix It Challenge during a live webinar last Friday. The Find It – Fix It Challenge recognizes and rewards simple and effective workplace ergonomics solutions that increase productivity, improve worker morale, and reduce workplace injuries and illnesses. From over 150 entries, one winner was selected.

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: http://www.multivu.com/mnr/54436-terex-utilities-wins-humantech-6th-find-it-fix-it-challenge

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121113/MM08788)

Terex Utilities in Huron, SD, took top honors with its Pedestal Weld Station entry. The improvement focused on improving the posture and comfort of the worker responsible for welding a vertical gusset and top plate to the metal shell of a pedestal. The pedestal connects a boom to a truck chassis and also houses the bearing that enables the boom to rotate while in operation.  

Prior to the improvement, the worker had to climb in and out of a metal shell up to 8 times per unit. While lying in a horizontal position, the worker had to weld parts of the pedestal together. When one section was complete, the welder would get out of the pedestal, rotate the pedestal to the next position, climb back into the unit, and weld the next section. Due to hot temperatures inside the pedestal, the welder had to lie on blankets for extra protection in addition to wearing welding leathers.

Because of hot temperatures and contact stress on the legs, the team knew it had to change the job. "We had strong internal support from the entire team. This was a good example of designing for safety and manufacturability," says Bethany Kovash, Industrial Engineer.

Within a few weeks, the idea to improve the job, and the $300 budget were approved. The team fabricated a steel welding table to hold the pedestal in a vertical position. Now, the worker can perform the work in a seated position, eliminating what Humantech calls "Butts Up" postures and contact stress.

"Everyone likes the improved task, and the production team member's involvement was crucial to its success," says Matt Klein, Manufacturing Engineer. The compliance of all team members tasked with this job proves its success.

For over 30 years, global companies have relied on Humantech for workplace improvements through ergonomics engineering.

SOURCE Humantech

WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?

440k+
Newsrooms &
Influencers

9k+
Digital Media
Outlets

270k+
Journalists
Opted In

GET STARTED