In manufacturing, workers are faced with a range of different tasks that involve various body movements and levels of physical work. Creating a safe working environment is essential to the success of any manufacturing plant.
Reducing workplace injuries and creating safe working spaces for all employees is an essential step towards increasing a manufacturing facility’s productivity. Some workplace injuries even have the potential to result in life-long disabilities. Workplace injuries can be costly for employers through lost work hours, compensation, and possible litigation; however, the severest cost is a human life.
Assembly lines usually involve a lot of repetition, coupled with the use of different power tools to perform the same task repeatedly. When workers become fatigued, there is an increased possibility of errors, impacting the final product’s quality and reliability. Repetitive and other motions can increase the risk of repetitive strain injuries, worsening if not treated quickly and appropriately.
Luckily, there’s a wide range of ergonomic solutions available to help reduce worker fatigue, prevent injuries, simplify processes and tasks, and boost productivity. When workers feel safe and comfortable completing their work, they will remain happier, productive, and are less likely to make mistakes.
A variety of ergonomic tools and solutions are available, including torque reaction arms that support the tool’s weight, so operators can easily guide the device and use it as needed to complete fastening operations. Another main benefit of using a torque reaction arm is the ability to effectively absorb the negative reactionary force from the tool as the fastener is tightened.
Torque arms can be used with various assembly tools, including screwdrivers, angle nutrunners, pulse tools, pistol grip style tools, impact wrenches, grinders, drills, sanders, and percussion tools. Torque arms reduce worker fatigue, improve productivity, reduce repetitive motion, and other workplace injuries in several different ways. They should be a staple in all manufacturing facilities.
How do torque arms reduce injuries?
Torque arms help prevent workplace injuries in many different ways, including:
1. Vibration protection
When a tool, either electric or pneumatic, is used, it can transfer vibrations to the operator’s hand and arm. Although a single vibration may not cause any harm, exposure to repetitive pulses can become distressful. Torque arms can protect operators from vibrations by absorbing these reactions and vibrations produced by power tools.
2. Reduced tool weight
The torque arm is designed to support the bulk of the weight of most tools. Torque arms keep tools suspended, easily accessible, and at the ready. They help support most of the tool weight so that operators can focus their attention on guiding the tool and accurately fastening.
3. Less fatigue
Repetitive tasks, coupled with heavy lifting and moving, can quickly become very tiring processes that can easily be avoided with torque arms. Torque arms support most of the tool weight so that the burden is lifted from the operator’s shoulders, and the torque reactions are not transferred to the operators’ hands and arms. Without the risk of experiencing torque reaction or completing any heavy lifting, operators are likely to experience minimal fatigue and complete their work with greater accuracy.
4. Improves posture
Torque arms offer a wide range of motion, and they can be positioned in various ways to ensure accuracy and ease during the fastening process. Torque arms can be moved and arranged for ease of use so that operators do not need to move their bodies into awkward and uncomfortable positions. The tool is able to be moved around the workspace almost effortlessly and allows the operator to maintain good posture during the manufacturing process.
Ergonomic assembly processes can help boost the manufacturing plant’s productivity and play a key role in all employees’ long-term health and safety. Torque arms are the ideal ergonomic solution to allow operators to focus their attention on the fastening sequence. They allow for proper range of motion, rather than struggling to balance and support the weight of power tools.
To learn more about how torque arms reduce injuries in the workplace, call Delta Regis Tools at 1(888) 473-6862 or contact us here.
