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The
following case study performed by OSHA highlights the issues concerning
pallet wrapping and is available online at www.osha.gov
 U.S.
Department of Labor
Occupational
Safety & Health Administration |
| State: |
Illinois |
| |
|
| Company: |
Advanced
Filtration Systems Inc. |
| |
|
| Industry: |
Manufacture
of Diesel Engine Filters |
SIC
Code: 3599 |
| |
|
NAICS
Code: 336339 |
| Employees: |
164 |
|
| Success
Brief: The installation of a Semi-Automatic Stretch Wrapper
substantially reduced the risk of ergonomic injury, while increasing
production and improving employee morale. |
The
Problem
During
a production trial, manual stretch wrapping of pallets of empty
reusable slip trays required compound motions and awkward body
postures that would have put employees at risk of developing
musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The process required employees
to wrap the pallets 8 to 10 times using a manual wrap dispenser
weighing approximately 30 to 35 pounds (See Picture #1 below
of manual stretch wrapping operation). During the trial, at
least one employee complained of back pains.
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The
Solution
The
company purchased and installed a Semi-Automatic Stretch Wrapper
machine that performs most of the ergonomically hazardous work
involved in stretch wrapping the pallets of empty reusable slip
trays prior to shipping. The machine includes a rotating stand
and vertical lift for the pallets, along with a wrap dispenser
and lift chain guarding that moves with the pallet (See Picture
#2 below of “Semi-Automatic Stretch Wrapper”). Once
the stretch wrapper was installed, the company improved the
machine's guarding and placed warning barriers on each side
as further safety precautions.
 |
The
Impact
The
Semi-Automatic Stretch Wrapper has significantly decreased the
risk of MSDs to the facility personnel responsible for preparing
pallets for shipment. Since the machine's installation, there
have been no reports of back pain, pain in other body parts,
or any other MSD symptoms from these employees.
The
machine has also increased production efficiency, since it uses
less wrap and is 3 to 4 times faster than manual stretch wrapping.
Employee morale has also increased as a result of the new process.
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Source: Mr. Richard Jesse, Associate Environmental Engineer,
Advanced Filtration Systems, Inc. (October 2003).
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We have many stretch wrapping solutions available to allow you to ensure you meet these OSHA concerns while improving your package and film costs.
The links below will allow you to quickly decide on the equipment you require. We are always available to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us
Low Volume Stretch Wrapper: Entry-level stretch wrappers for the low volume user who simply needs to wrap pallets quickly, with convenience, at an affordable price.
Semi-Auto Prestretch Pallet Wrapper: For up to 80-100 pallets per day.
Besides the safety issue, there are many more reasons to use a stretch wrapper instead of manual wrapping loads : Review the 10 Reasons for using a Stretch Wrap Machine in pallet wrapping applications instead of hand wrap stretch film. |
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