The application of concern was in the food processing area of the plant where pallets of
frozen meat are brought in from a cooler. The meat is lifted from a pallet to a table and
pushed into a conveyor were it goes on to be shredded. Each slab of meat weighs about 20
kgs, and measures roughly 600 mm wide, 1,000 mm long and about 100 mm thick.
Workers were lifting each piece manually, having to lift and twist then push the frozen meat dozens of times in an 8-
hour shift. Injuries and fatigue became a major problem, and the company decided to seek a more ergonomic method of moving the meat.
THE SOLUTION
The solution came in the form of a Gorbel ceiling mounted work station crane with a vacuum lifter. The system features 7 M trussed runways and a 6.5 M bridge with 125 kg capacity, which covers the entire area where
meat is dropped off and loaded onto the conveyor. A vacuum lifter with a skirt attachment allows workers to
pick each piece and move it to the conveyor.
According to the Safety and Training Coordinator, results were easy to see right away.
“At first, workers thought they would be able to move faster lifting by hand. They realized pretty quickly that with the
help of the Gorbel work station crane, they were able to work fast without getting tired and slowing down midway through their shift like they would by lifting manually.”
The primary objective was reducing injuries, and that was clearly achieved. “The crane was installed in 2001, and since then injuries are not a problem with that application.”
Since the original installation, the company has been able to change their process and modify the crane along with it. “Our processes change to increase productivity, but now we’re able to achieve productivity goals without wearing our people out.”
