Study shows that exoskeletons reduce strain and sprain injuries

A recent study has shown that when warehouse workers wear exoskeletons, the incidence of strain and sprain injuries decreases by 62%.

HeroWear, a US manufacturer, produces exoskeletons worn by manual handling workers to reduce back strain, fatigue and discomfort. In a company study, safety data was analysed from users of their Apex 2 exosuit at five distribution centres over periods ranging from 8 to 23 months, totaling 311.000 working hours. The results revealed a significant 62% reduction in strain and sprain injuries. The injury rate was 3.8% per 100 workers per year, compared to the normal rate of 10.2% per 100 workers a year for those not using exoskeletons.

There is a perception that wearing exoskeletons decreases back injuries, but shifts muscle strain to other parts of the body. The HeroWear study showed reductions in back injuries without increasing strain elsewhere.

Dr Karl Zelik, co-founder and chief scientific officer of HeroWear, stated:

“Emerging technologies demand continuous learning, and the only way we advance is through converging, real-world evidence.”

A good heavy-duty trolley manufacturer may design ergonomic trolleys that are easy to manoeuvre without undue strain, but there is still a risk of injury when loading and unloading heavy items from trolleys. Injuries have high financial and operational costs for manufacturing firms.

There are automated and robotic systems to perform lifting tasks, but they are expensive and beyond the budget of smaller warehouse operators. Exosuits are a cost-effective way to improve manual handling workers’ health and safety.

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