• Benefits of Overhead Rail Lifting Systems

Companies of all shapes and sizes can benefit from the use of an overhead rail lifting system. As the name suggests, these systems are designed to lift heavy and/or awkwardly shaped items from above, taking the physical burden off the shoulders of workers. There are both obvious and not-so-obvious benefits associated with the use of an overhead rail lifting system, which we’re going to discuss further in this post.

Lift From Practically Any Angle

One of the perks of using an overhead rail lifting system is the simple fact that it can lift from practically any angle. With its spinning arm, workers can position it to grab, lift and manipulate objects of all shapes and sizes. Whether you’re trying to lift a heavy cylinder drum or an aircraft fuselage panel, you can rest assured knowing it will perform the task at hand. A single worker can operate the system from a control panel, guiding it towards the object that needs lifting and/or manipulating.

Improves Productivity

Overhead rail lifting systems may also improve productivity. Even if workers can physically lift and move heavy objects, it’s not necessarily in the employer’s best interest to allow them to do so.  It may take a worker 10-15 minutes to move a large pallet or object, whereas an overhead lifting solution can perform the task in just a couple quick minutes. Over the course of a full workweek, that’s a substantial difference that translates into greater profits for the company.

Prevents Injury

A third benefit associated with the use of overhead rail lifting systems is its ability to protect works from musculoskeletal disorders. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), roughly one third of all work-related injuries and illnesses that occurred in 2013 were musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). MSDs are involve any injury associated with muscles, ligaments, tendons, spine and supporting structures, most of which are classified as repetitive strain injuries (RSI).

“Workers in many different industries and occupations can be exposed to risk factors at work, such as lifting heavy items, bending, reaching overhead, pushing and pulling heavy loads, working in awkward body postures and performing the same or similar tasks repetitively. Exposure to these known risk factors for MSDs increases a worker’s risk of injury,” wrote the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Overhead rail lifting solutions can reduce the risk of MSDs by eliminating the need for human workers to lift heavy or awkwardly shaped objects.

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