Forklift truck drivers often complain of pain in the neck, back, arms and shoulders. Frequently the cause is to be found in the unfavourable movement sequences involved in operating a forklift truck.
Twisting round to look back is more the rule than the exception. Or stretching up to see what's happening when grasping and depositing the load. In addition, the frequent jolts caused by uneven floor and road surfaces place an extreme strain on the spinal column.
Already the basic requirements for a back-friendly forklift truck seat therefore include a suspension system to clearly reduce the effect of jolts on the spinal column with a drastic cutback in harmful vibrations.
An ergonomic forklift truck seat must allow the upper part of the body to turn, offering corresponding support, and warrant freedom of movement for the arms.
The backrest with fully variable height and angle adjustment and lordosis support offers the body optimum, individual support to relieve the back.
The seat is adequately dimensioned and fully variable. Other details such as extending the seat area length and angle, seat heating and intelligent shock absorbers with roadway detection are appropriate additional features that are conducive to the driver's health.
Ergonomic driver's seats can also be retrofitted to older forklift trucks. Driver's seats require regular maintenance to warrant full functionality.
The back-friendly forklift truck seat combined with correct behaviour patterns (see "Further information") helps to promote health and welfare while making an important contribution to reducing periods of absence for sick leave.
Getting into the forklift truck incorrectly can be detrimental to the spinal column and knee joints. Due to the lack of space, there is a particular risk of twisting the lumbar spine and bent knee joints.
The forklift truck operator should make every effort to reduce this risk with controlled movements and by deliberate use of the trunk muscles. The ergonomic seat is only as good as its individual adjustments to the driver.
A good ergonomic seat that has been correctly adjusted supports the spinal column, avoids cramped positions and reduces the transfer of vibrations and jolts to the operator's body.