1. Ergonomic Handles: The Neutral Grip Advantage
While horizontal or vertical handles are common on transport equipment, they often leave a user’s hands at an unnatural angle.
- The Handle Challenge: Choosing an incorrect handle results in a less-than-ideal working environment, impacting productivity and workforce health.
- The New Age Solution: We implement a unique, inverted “V” shape ergonomic handle on specific equipment or by request.
- Neutral Position: This shape places arms, wrists, and hands in a neutral position, reducing fatigue and repetitive motion injuries to those extremities.
- Universal Fit: The vertical slope of the “V” accommodates people of various heights and statures, allowing them to grab at a naturally comfortable height.
2. Caster Selection & Configuration
Caster configuration and wheel type determine the stability, maneuverability, and the “push/pull” force required to move equipment.
- Strategic Caster Selection: The maximum weight of the loaded cart must be calculated first to determine the correct caster size. Larger casters reduce the force needed to keep equipment in motion.
- Smooth, Level Floors: Benefit from silent polyurethane or high-strength polyolefin wheels.
- Rough or Uneven Terrain: Require pneumatic wheels to traverse the environment safely and easily.
- Configuration Considerations:
- 6-Wheel Design: Allows for center pivoting but can create a “see-saw” effect where only four wheels touch the ground at once.
- The 5-Wheel Solution: We offer a specialized 5-wheel configuration including four swivel casters and one rigid, spring-loaded caster in the center.
- Zero-Turn Radius: This setup provides a zero-turn radius, ensures all five wheels stay on the ground, and keeps the cart moving in a straight line until the operator chooses to turn.
- Swivel Sets: Front swivel configurations can be hard on the arms, while rear swivel setups can force associates into awkward body positions.
- Safety Features: We also integrate ergonomically friendly features like step-down brakes and specialized swivel locks.
3. Leveling Associate Height: Ergo Stands
Many work areas in fulfillment centers, meat processing facilities, commercial kitchens, assembly lines, and supermarkets are set at a uniform, non-adjustable height, yet workers vary in stature.
- The Solution: New Age Industrial developed Ergo Stands, wide-base ergonomic platforms for workers to safely stand on, used to level these height differences at shared workstations.
- Construction: These are solid, fully welded aluminum steps with a reinforced base and aggressively punched tops for traction.
- Versatility: Available in heights ranging from 1″ to 8″ with a spacious 24″ x 20″ anti-slip deck.
- Safety: Beyond ergonomic positioning, these stands elevate employees to reduce slips and falls in wet or slippery environments.
American-Made Excellence
As the leading aluminum extruder and fabricator in the United States, we use a Flexible Manufacturing Process to build heavy-duty yet lightweight aluminum products. Our products are American Designed + American-Manufactured and backed by a Lifetime Guarantee against rust and corrosion.
Ready to Build a Safer Workflow?
Don’t settle for “standard” equipment that puts your team at risk. At New Age Industrial, we specialize in creating custom solutions that fit your specific facility and your unique workforce. Let’s design a more productive, ergonomic future together.
Contact a New Age Industrial Expert Today to start your custom quote or to learn more about our ergonomic-focused design standards.
