Exoskeletons - handle loads without putting strain on your back

Lifting, carrying, pulling or pushing loads can be tough on the whole body. Even working in a stooped posture can quickly become a real physical strain. After such efforts, the spine in particular can easily ache and even sustain damage in the long term. So what should you do if you are required to do precisely these activities at work? So-called exoskeletons provide the body with extra support and can thereby significantly reduce the strain on employees. As a result, employees feel happier doing their tasks, fewer sick days of sick leave are taken, they are better protected against injuries, their performance is improved and the quality of their day-to-day work is enhanced because they suffer less fatigue. That is why exoskeletons are of great help in the industrial sector and other strenuous work environments and are being used to an increasing extent. But what should these work aids be used for and how do they work? Find out here.

What can an exoskeleton achieve in the working environment?

The word exoskeleton literally means “outer skeleton”. Indeed, these impressive aids can optimally support the skeleton and the entire musculoskeletal system from the outside. Exoskeletons help by distributing the weight and strain that would otherwise be placed on the back. They provide mechanical support that sustains the spine while relieving the muscles,
thereby helping to alleviate the physical strain on the back. In other words, employees don’t get fatigued as quickly for the same amount of work and are much less likely to complain of back pain. The use of exoskeletons also significantly reduces the risk of musculoskeletal disorders and injuries at work.

Countless advantages for employees and employers

Many employees who use an exoskeleton report a significant improvement in their overall quality of life. Their back pain is reduced or completely eliminated, they sleep better, are less exhausted after work and are also able to enjoy their leisure time more. Employee satisfaction improves considerably.
Of course, employers benefit from all these advantages too: By taking better care of their employees, they reduce sick days and absence at work while maintaining or even increasing productivity.

Active or passive exoskeletons?

There are two main variations on exoskeletons:

 Important: adaptability to the individual

An exoskeleton can only provide optimum support for the body if it can be easily adapted to the shape and size of the wearer’s body. Therefore, all straps, belts and support mechanisms must be easy to adjust. This customisation should be as intuitive and simple as possible so that employees can carry it out properly within a short time. Adequate and qualified instruction should be provided beforehand.

Wearing comfort and weight of exoskeletons

The aim of an exoskeleton is to help employees at work and not to place any additional strain on them. Therefore, it is very important that these aids are comfortable to wear. An exoskeleton should be designed in such way that it can be put on and taken off again in the shortest time possible. It must also be able to adapt it to new postures or activities quickly and easily.
Comfort is at least as important as the ease with which they can be put on and taken off. An exoskeleton should not restrict movement and should have a low dead weight. The smallest possible areas of contact ensure that the wearer does not become overheated and that the exoskeleton still feels comfortable after long hours of wear. Of course, the exoskeleton must not hinder the required activities or disrupt the necessary movement flows.

Which exoskeleton is suitable for my workplace?

To ensure that an exoskeleton is of real help to employees, there are a few things to bear in mind when choosing one. We have compiled a checklist of the most important features to expect in a back-friendly exoskeleton. We will also give you an overview of products that have been awarded the AGR seal. This seal certifies that they are particularly back-friendly.
It should be noted that it is also important to test the exoskeleton in everyday working life.

• Do employees feel that the aid supports them or does it in fact restrict them in their work?
• Is it possible to perform all the necessary movements while wearing the exoskeleton?
• Is the model selected also suitable for taller, shorter, broader or thinner employees or can it be adapted accordingly? 

You should discuss these details with your provider and test it in close cooperation with your employees. If these tests are successful, you can then make the back support available to your employees.