Despite the stereotype often promoted by the general media and politicians, automation has not replaced every manual task in manufacturing plants. Many thousands of U.S. workers lift heavy objects around their workstations all day, every day.

Walk through any automotive plant, and there’s a good chance you’ll see lift assists in use for product assembly. Common lift assists include large or small hoists, air balancers, extension arms and end-effectors (clamp, hook, vacuum, magnet, etc.).

Investments in ergonomic equipment can improve more than just injury rates and workers’ comp costs.

For many years, plant managers told assemblers to “work smarter, not harder” without providing them the proper tools to achieve this goal. This was especially challenging for workers who had to lift heavy objects around their workstations.

Workplace ergonomics is important to AUMA Reister GmbH & Co. KG, an international manufacturer of electric valve actuators and valve gearboxes for 50 years. This is because its workers often need to handle large or heavy components of these products.