Crane Cab Seat Ergonomics

Aluminum Smelter Pot Breaker Crane Cab Seats Trigger Injury

Problem

Harsh vertical impact and vibration in Pot Breaker Crane Cab seats developed back injury symptomology in the entire operator crew. The cab seat cushioning was unadjustable, inadequate, and worn resulting in high operator absentee rate.

Issue

The operator crew revealed varying physical dimensions, both genders, and all with different injury concerns. Rapid seat removal for accessing electrical and hydraulic controls was also required to be performed in one minute.

Solution

A specialized rapid change-out seat insert system was developed. Sized by large, medium and small, inserts were assigned to individual operators for use during their shift. The final design included fire retardant material with memory foam contoured cushioning. Effects of the vibration and high impact motions were reduced, followed by a program to install new inserts for the entire fleet.

Result

New inserts improved crane safety with less trigger for potential injury with operators being able to perform pot breaking for longer periods.