ERGONOMIC TROLLEYS: LESS EFFORT, MORE SAFETY
What are the health risks associated with the use of trolleys and how can they be prevented by improving working conditions?
Our experts answer.
Can pushing a trolley create a physical strain on the part of the cleaner? What types of injuriescan pushing a heavy trolley cause?
There are several factors that can increase the risk of musculoskeletal injuries, including excessively heavy loads and strenuous activities. Pushing trolleys can over time injure the back, shoulders and arms, even leading to serious consequences, so prevention is essential and translates into ergonomic trolley design.
How important are ergonomics in the manufacture of any trolley system to ease the strain on the cleaner? Would you say this is one of the most important considerations?
Designing trolleys without taking ergonomics into account can negatively affect the health of operators, increasing the possibility of occupational illnesses. Similarly, forgetting aspects strictly related to operator safety when handling the trolley can increase the risk of accidents at work. In the design phase, one should therefore evaluate all elements that can minimise stress such as the lightness of the components, the usability of the handle and the gliding of the wheels. In addition, the correct distance from the trolley should also be considered in order to avoid the risk of impact and consequent injury when the operator advances or retracts.
What types of systems can make it easier to push a trolley?
The position of the handle in relation to the height of the operator is undoubtedly a crucial aspect in terms of usability, but it must be considered that the height can vary significantly from operator to operator, making it difficult to position the handle at a height that suits everyone. The adjustable handle allows to overcome this limit, offering a highly versatile and ergonomic solution: it adapts to the height of each operator, allowing them to push, pull and manoeuvre the trolley comfortably while maintaining a comfortable position at all times. In this way, handling-related pains and injuries are effectively prevented.
Is there anything else that can be done to make trolleys easier to push?
Not only the adjustable handle, also the type of wheel can favour gliding on indoor or outdoor floors. In addition, reducing the weight of the trolley helps to move it more easily, reducing strain and preventing fatigue.
What features do your own trolleys offer that make the task of pushing easier for the cleaner?
The use of appropriate equipment is indispensable to prevent the occurrence of occupational diseases: with this in mind, Filmop has developed a special line of trolleys designed to facilitate and speed up operations without burdening the operator.
The trolleys of the Alpha line stand out for their lightness and ease of handling and manoeuvring. On request, they can be supplied with an adjustable ergonomic handle to make handling the trolley smoother and easier, and to help maintain a correct posture. In addition, there is a choice of several indoor and outdoor wheels designed to offer maximum gliding on surfaces, even uneven ones.
