At the first day of 2020, no one had a clue what would come in the following months. Any set plans, including workplace equipment replacement or upgrades, immediately halted for many companies.
One good thing that came through all of the chaos is a new dedication to workplace safety. Now more than ever, an emphasis on safety has come from many sources (some practices being required by OSHA and other organizations). Many companies have fully leaned into this new safety-oriented mindset for their workplaces. This mindset should not end with COVID-19.
Now, in the second half of 2020, some staff are starting to return to the workplace. As projects begin again, on-the-job busyness and stress increases. We want to help you start back up with a step-by-step guide to implementing safety ergonomics equipment in your workplace, eliminating the stress of last-minute decisions. Let’s look into the detailed aspects that start with one simple question: what do you need?
1. What do you need?
ASSESSMENT
A thorough analysis of your workspace or end-user location is the foundation to a successful ergonomics project. Collecting data on the following is a great place to start.
- Dimensions: Width, Depth
- Height: Lowered, Raised (more on how to calculate this and your Actuator Size in the next section)
- Floor Contact: Leveling Feet, Casters, or Both, depending on your needs for stability or portability
- Tabletops and Accessories (See what LTW offers here)
- Environmental Factors: Equipment the product will interact with, who the end user is, and any specialized requirements for equipment in the environment (for example, the level of cleanability for items used in a cleanroom)
LIFT SYSTEM – Actuator Size
There are a number of environmental factors that need to be considered when choosing actuator lift capacity and motor stroke. This is a necessary step for finding a lift system that can meet your application-specific needs.
- Position of Use
- Height Difference
- Portability
- Weight Capacity
- Weight Distribution
We discuss each of these items in detail in our Choosing Actuator Size: 5 Helpful Tips article. Because lift capacity and motor stroke are large price factors, we recommend that you opt for a system that fully covers all of your needs, but isn’t overcompensating too much. For example, if you need a table to lift 500lb, we would recommend our E2 Table that has a lift capacity of 1100lb. We wouldn’t recommend our E4 Table, that has a lift capacity of 2200lb.
LIFT SYSTEM – Adjustability Method
If you find that height adjustability is needed, there are a number of features that need to be decided (whether your needs are in the form of a table, workstation, or just adding adjustability to an existing table). There are many height adjustability options to choose from, all varying in benefits and prices.
Hand crank adjustability, even if present on a table, is not used by operators. It is perceived as involving too much work for the benefit received. This is one of the least-expensive options available, but is not used much after installation and requires frequent maintenance.
Hydraulic actuators offer adjustability with the simple touch of a button, but with high risk. If a hydraulic line is punctured or severed, the system drops to a fully-lowered position and drains its liquid onto the surrounding environment. The more weight being lifted, and the more that workplace cleanliness is necessary, the higher risk this system poses. Similar to hand crank adjustability systems, hydraulic actuators also require frequent maintenance.
Electric actuators also offer touch-button adjustability, like their hydraulic counterparts, but without safety risks or maintenance requirements. While their upfront cost is higher than hand crank and hydraulic lift systems, electric systems require significantly lower maintenance and part replacement. More detailed information is discussed in the Electric vs. Hydraulic Actuators. For a quick glance of lift system differences, check out our comparison table. Overall, electric actuators are the best choice.
Only top-grade industrial electric actuators are offered on LTW products, however not all electric actuators are made equal. If you choose to go elsewhere for height adjustable products, we recommend thoroughly reading lift system specifications and limitations, as well as customer reviews. When investing in the safety of your company, it is very important to know the longevity of your purchase.
PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE
It can sometimes be difficult to identify ergonomics problems within your own company, especially if the problems have become normalized over years of use. A third party perspective can shed light on ergonomic needs you might not notice. Humantech, an ergonomics consulting company that has reviewed LTW products, is an example of this type of option. Hiring an unbiased ergonomics consultant can help your company in ways that you might not know of at first.
QUANTITY & PRICING
How many product(s) do you need, both currently and through the rest of the year? LTW offers incentives to help make ergonomics as affordable as possible.
Discount Opportunities: With quantity purchases, we’re able to share savings created through volume production. For a limited time, our Volume Discount and Frequent Buyer Program savings can be combined, offering up to 30% in savings! Read here to learn how to qualify for these.
Standardize on LTW Products: In order to make your dollar stretch the farthest, we recommend standardizing on LTW products and buying them in quantities. When used together, the Volume Discount and Frequent Buyer Program can save companies tens of thousands of dollars in situations like:
- Machine builders standardizing on E2 Bases for all of their machine base needs
- Companies revamping their plants to standardize on height adjustable E2 Workstations
2. When do you need it?
LEAD TIME
LTW’s standard lead time is 4-6 weeks from our receipt of an order. It is a best practice to start reaching out for quotes earlier than 4-6 weeks from when your product is needed. However, we are often able to offer Expedited Lead Time for a small additional cost. Our committment to helping you be successful with ergonomics drives our flexibility for your needs.
CUSTOMER & VENDOR SETUP
LTW’s customer setup is very simple and stress-free. However, some large companies have extensive vendor setup processes that can postpone your project if left to complete until right before an order is placed. We recommend starting this process early on: as soon as you’re confident you will make a purchase with LTW.
PURCHASE FREQUENCY
Will you place only one order this year, or do you plan on purchasing many products throughout the year? In order to get the best savings, we recommend purchasing as many of a given product at one time as possible (see our Quantity & Pricing section earlier in this article). The more units you purchase together, and the more products you purchase within a year’s timeframe, the higher the discount you will be able to earn.
3. Make a Budget
After concluding what the most cost-savings approach to purchasing your ergonomic products will be, it is time to set aside funds for those projects.
INVEST IN EMPLOYEE SAFETY
Ergonomics is truly an investment in the wellbeing and future of your company. Ergonomics benefits are extensive, including: injury prevention, morale boosting, worker compensation and healthcare cost reduction, and increased productivity. Check out more and why in our article on “10 Reasons to ‘Get Your Ergonomic On’ at Work.”
YEAR END SECTION 179 TAX INCENTIVE
Section 179 of the Internal Revenue Code allows US businesses to take a 100% tax deduction for qualified equipment (including LTW Products) and off-the-shelf software that is put into service by December 31. On top of taking care of your operators’ health, investment in ergonomics has quantifiable monetary benefits for your company.
The Bottom Line
A little bit of ergonomics planning early on can save your company both time and money. For you, it can mean a large reduction of stress that is often involved in last-minute project. Start your 2020 Ergonomics Plan today!
If you have any questions, would like a product quote, or would like further help creating your 2020 Ergonomics Plan, give us a call. We can’t wait to work with you!
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LTW was started with humble beginnings, and has grown into the industrial ergonomic standard for height adjustable machine bases, workstations, operator platforms, and more. In 2020 LTW celebrates 27 years in business!
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