Rotating operator’s work station & rotating cabin
Moving heavy loads perfectly
Forklift operators are exposed to high levels of physical strain, particularly when transporting large, bulky goods. These goods restrict the operator’s view, so they need to drive backwards. The operator twists their upper body in the direction of travel in order to operate the truck safely. However, this posture damages their spine. It often results in fatigue, pain and lost working days.
Having a clear view and working ergonomically do not have to be mutually exclusive. When using the rotating operator’s work station for IC- and electric forklift trucks from Linde or the rotating cabin for heavy forklifts, the work station rotates rather than the operator. This improves the view of the load or the direction of travel and takes the strain off the operator’s musculoskeletal system. Lost working days are reduced, as well as potential errors due to tiredness. For the operator, this ultimately means a greater handling capacity.
Benefits at a glance
- A clear view when transporting large, bulky loads
- Less physical strain on the operator
- Fewer lost working days due to ill-health and therefore greater productivity
- Reduced likelihood of errors due to tiredness or stress
- Ease of use for rapid training and safe handling
- Robust design ensuring a long service life for the forklift truck and minimal maintenance costs
- Available for many forklift models, can also be retrofitted
Safety
High-quality accident prevention
In logistics, bulky loads increase the risk of an accident because they significantly restrict the forklift operator’s vision. There are accessories that can help, such as mirrors or cameras, but they don't fulfil safety requirements. For example, German regulations on operating industrial trucks stipulate that in these cases, they must be driven backward. The regulations also state that driving backward regularly should be avoided as this can put excessive strain on the operator’s spine. However, some tasks require operators to drive backwards regularly.
The rotating operator’s work station from Linde can be a solution to this: When reversing, the operator turns all the operating equipment along with the steering wheel, pedals, and arm rest by up to 90 degrees. As on a reach truck, the operator sits at right angles to the lane of traffic and can see the whole route. This greatly improves their view and reduces signs of fatigue; in short, it improves operational safety.
Ergonomics
I used to have constant problems with my cervical spine because I had to drive backward for six hours a day. Using the rotating operator’s work station, I now have a clear view of the route and the load.
Marywam Ahmed, forklift operator at Solvay Fluor GmbH in Bad Wimpfen
Physical strain demonstrably reduced
Lost working days due to ill-health are an important business issue. According to statistics from the World Health Organisation (WHO), an estimated 60 to 70 per cent of the working population in industrial countries suffer from back pain. Forklift operators are definitely included in this percentage as they often work in postures that are bad for their backs
Relating to this, the Employers’ Liability Insurance Association for Retail and Goods Distribution (BGHW) has calculated that Linde's rotating operator’s work station reduces physical strain on the operator by approximately 60 per cent, thereby significantly reducing the risks to their health.
Comparing spinal torsion
According to another calculation, operators on a fixed seat spend 43 per cent of their working time in an excessively twisted spinal position. By contrast, if they are sitting on a rotating operator’s work station, the time they spend twisting their body is reduced to just eight per cent.
Availability
Available in several versions
Working with its system partner NEUMAIER Industry, Linde has developed the rotating operator's work station for electric and IC trucks as well as a rotating cabin for heavy trucks. The rotating operator’s work station is available in several versions to suit different truck models and operators of different heights. A range of seat types is also available. In addition, the robust design can be retrofitted to several forklift ranges from Linde manufactured from 2009 onward. All heavy truck models can be fitted with a rotating cabin that is sold by Linde’s network of distributors. Trucks can also be retrofitted.
Find out more about the technical details of the rotating operator’s work station and the rotating cabin in the Linde brochure, ‘Work more safely, ergonomically, and efficiently’.
