Health risks and diseases
Schmalz solutions protect what really matters.
From overexertion to permanent incapacity for work
Anyone who lifts, carries, pushes or pulls loads every day puts their body to the test. Often unnoticed and for years - until it's too late. Back pain, joint problems and chronic overuse injuries are among the most common health consequences of physical work. In particular, incorrect strain at work is considered a driver of back problems and other musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) - currently the most common cause of incapacity to work at almost 25%.
For many employees, manual handling without ergonomic support means: loads that are too heavy, incorrect movement sequences, unfavorable postures - and long-term health risks.
Figures that speak for themselves
162
million days of absence due to musculoskeletal disorders.
21,5
billion euros in annual production downtime costs.
> 20.000
new retirements due to musculoskeletal and connective tissue diseases.
20,8%
of diagnosis days due to musculoskeletal disorders.
Our staff is the key to our great success and we support them. This naturally includes reducing physical strain wherever possible.∼ Frank Januschowski, Logistics Manager, FreiLacke
Health consequences of unergonomic workplaces
Unergonomic workstations not only lead to short-term discomfort, but can also cause serious long-term damage to health. These consequences affect various parts of the body and have a negative impact on employees' physical well-being, performance and quality of life. Pain, tension and exhaustion are often only the first signs. If the causes are not addressed, they can lead to chronic illnesses and incapacity to work.
These are caused by frequent lifting of heavy loads with incorrect posture or rotational movements of the spine. Bending down constantly or too low can also be a cause of these complaints and the resulting inability to work.
Repetitive movements, incorrect posture or remaining in static positions for a lengthy period can lead to muscle tension and pain - especially in the neck, shoulders, arms, and lower back.
Excessive strain without proper breaks or recovery time reduces concentration, increases error rates, and raises the risk of accidents. Overexertion and pain at the workplace can limit the performance potential of employees.
Persistent pain and constant strain lead to stress, anxiety, depression and sleep problems. At the same time, physical stress can lead to serious illnesses, up to and including a heart attack.
Unergonomic working methods put strain on the whole body
Unergonomic working methods not only affect certain areas of the body, but the entire body. Poor posture, repetitive movements and one-sided strain lead to a chain reaction of complaints that can affect different parts of the body. From the neck and shoulders to the back, joints and cardiovascular system - the consequences are manifold and can have a lasting impact on employees' health and performance. The following body regions are particularly stressed during lifting, holding and carrying:
Lower back
Elbow
Wrists
Hip
Neck and upper back
Shoulder and upper arms
Knee
Maintain health, safe power with certified ergonomics
Ergonomic handling solutions are crucial for relieving the body in a targeted manner, preventing complaints and counteracting chronic illnesses. An ergonomically designed working environment is essential, especially in working areas with a high level of physical strain - such as production and logistics.
Aktion Gesunder Rücken (AGR) e.V., in cooperation with Germany's two largest back school associations, has established a quality seal that serves as a guide when selecting workplace equipment. Every product awarded the seal has undergone a detailed certification process. Vacuum lifting devices from Schmalz are certified with the AGR seal. An independent panel of experts confirms: vacuum lifting devices promote ergonomic lifting, enable back-friendly work, accelerate processes, and reduce health-related absences.
AGR certified Schmalz products
Vacuum Tube Lifters JumboFlex
- JumboFlex for ergonomic one-hand operation for fast movement sequences
- Configurable lifting unit, operator handle, vacuum gripper and vacuum generator
- Intuitive two-button control for up/down control, also available with proven one-button control on request
- For workpieces up to 50 kg
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Vacuum Tube Lifters JumboErgo
- Tube lifter JumboErgo for dynamic handling of flat workpieces
- Configurable lifting unit, operator handle, vacuum gripper and vacuum generator
- Workpieces can be swiveled by 90° (optional with JumboErgo PSE)
- Workpieces up to 300 kg
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Vacuum Lifting Devices VacuMaster Comfort
- Lift capacities up to 750 kg
- Operator handle with integrated control of the lifting device and the chain hoist
- Controlled vacuum generator for reduced energy consumption
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Your health is priceless - lifting technology pays off
Ergonomic lifting technology can significantly reduce strain - and thus avoid downtime and costs.
Use the amortization calculator and see when the purchase pays off.
Best practice: focus on ergonomics and health
When the focus is on health and well-being, sustainable success is the result: our best practices show how ergonomic vacuum lifting devices noticeably relieve employees, boost their performance and give them more power for demanding tasks - for less fluctuation and a happier team.
The targeted use of ergonomic lifting solutions has significantly reduced physical strain. The result: less downtime, greater safety and a noticeable increase in job satisfaction.
At Aliaxis, Schmalz vacuum lifters make working conditions more ergonomic and safe, while at the same time making work processes more efficient and improving productivity in the long term.
LTG relies on vacuum lifters from Schmalz to move heavy sheet metal weighing up to 500 kg safely and ergonomically. This success story demonstrates how ergonomic lifting solutions ensure healthier workplaces even with heavy loads.
With ergonomic vacuum lifters, handling awnings becomes effortless - ergonomic, safe and energy-saving. This solution not only improves health, but also boosts team motivation and productivity.
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Contact
If you have any questions, we will be happy to assist you.
Schmalz GmbH
Commerz Park West 1
4061 Pasching
+43 7229 24 24 4
schmalz@schmalz.at
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if a workplace poses a risk of physical strain?
How can I tell if a workplace poses a risk of physical strain?
A risk of physical strain is evident in the task itself—not just when symptoms appear. Two approaches can help with the assessment:
- Observe the workplace: A workstation is considered high-risk if lifting repeatedly occurs above shoulder height or below knee height, rotational movements occur while carrying a load, loads cannot be gripped, or cycle times do not allow for recovery periods.
- Systematic evaluation: The risk assessment pursuant to Section 5 of the German Occupational Safety and Health Act (ArbSchG), supplemented by the BAuA’s key characteristic method, makes load weight, frequency, and body posture objectively comparable. In addition, sick leave rates per workstation and feedback discussions provide further insights.
Why can forced postures and repetitive movements lead to permanent damage?
Why can forced postures and repetitive movements lead to permanent damage?
Forced postures and repetitive movements can cause permanent damage if the strain exceeds the ability of muscles, tendons, and joints to recover. Three mechanisms are responsible for this:
- Reduced blood flow during static strain: Prolonged muscle tension compresses the blood vessels. The resulting lack of oxygen supply can lead to tissue acidification and hardened muscle areas (myogelosis).
- Microtrauma caused by repetition: Repetitive movements create microscopic tears in the tissue of tendons, muscles, and ligaments. If recovery periods are insufficient, these microtraumas accumulate and lead to chronic inflammation, such as tenosynovitis.
- Degeneration of cartilage and intervertebral discs: Uneven pressure distribution within a joint exerts particularly strong localized stress. As a result, cartilage and intervertebral discs can lose their cushioning function, accelerating natural wear and tear.
The key factor is the balance between exertion and recovery: Without adequate breaks and ergonomically appropriate relief, reversible symptoms can develop into permanent structural damage.
What are musculoskeletal disorders, and how do they develop in the workplace?
What are musculoskeletal disorders, and how do they develop in the workplace?
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are conditions and signs of wear and tear affecting muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and the spine. Unlike a work-related injury, they do not result from a single event but develop gradually over months or years. Typical conditions include herniated discs, osteoarthritis, tendonitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
In manual work processes, they result from the interaction of three factors:
- Use of force: Lifting, carrying, pulling, and pushing without mechanical assistance.
- Posture: Bending, twisting the upper body, or working overhead.
- Duration and repetition: Repetitive movements without sufficient rest periods.
The combination of these factors is crucial: Only when several factors coincide and exert their effects over a length of time do temporary symptoms develop into permanent damage.