Humantech announced the winners of its second annual Find It – Fix It Challenge, which recognizes and rewards simple and effective workplace solutions that result in increased productivity, improved worker morale, and fewer workplace injuries and illnesses. Organizations were encouraged to submit photos and videos of their best ergonomic improvements for judging by Humantech’s board certified professional ergonomists and staff.
For the second year in a row, first place was awarded to Gerdau Ameristeel’s Charlotte, N.C., Facility. This year’s winning improvement focused on the facility’s Reline Ladle/Brick Chute device. Before the fix, Gerdau’s operator manually lowered and stacked bricks to reline the mill’s ladles, requiring 24 labor-hours of bending, twisting and heavy lifting. After no commercial improvement was found, an internal team designed and built a safe, comfortable and efficient brick chute. The improvement saved 12 labor-hours a week (624 labor-hours per year) and has reduced ergonomic injuries and safety issues.
“The device is saving backs, shoulders and time spent on this job,” says Matt Moore, corporate safety director. “The device will not only benefit our company for many years to come, it also holds promise for many others in the steel industry.”
Gerdau Ameristeel has a patent pending on the device.
“It is with great joy and pride that I congratulate our
Honorable mentions were given to Veyance Technologies for its Extrusion/Mechanical Winch improvement and Genie Industries, Building #7, for its development of an auto cable cutter. The top finalists included Alcoa Fastening Systems; Delta Faucet Company; Genie Industries – Building #6; The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company’s
The 2009 Find It – Fix It Challenge is slated to kick off in early spring. For additional
About Humantech
For nearly 30 years, global companies have relied on Humantech for workplace improvements. By combining the science of ergonomics and our unique 30-Inch View – where people, work and environment intersect – the company delivers practical solutions that impact safety, quality and productivity.
