Moving Heavy Loads: Manual Handling vs. Electric Tugs

Advantages of Powered Tuggers vs Manual Handling

Increased Efficiency and Productivity

Electric tugs can transport materials much faster than manual methods, leading to higher throughput and reduced handling times. By using an electric tug to take the strain, a single operator can move the heaviest loads simply through thumb power. A distinguished manufacturer of retail refrigeration, Arneg recently used SmartMover tugs to take the movement of heavy carts from a six-person movement by hand to a one-person job in our latest case study.

Enhanced Safety

Electric tugs significantly reduce the risk of injuries compared to manual handling. Their ergonomic design minimises physical strain on workers, preventing common musculoskeletal disorders and injuries. A leading workers' compensation insurance carrier analysed more than 1.5 million workers' compensation claims between 2015 and 2019. The findings highlight just how risky it is to keep staff moving heavy loads by hand.

The report found that the three most common causes of all injuries were:

• 29% overexertion
• 23% slips, trips and falls
• 13% struck by an object

Delving further into the report, the most common causes of workplace injuries found were:

• 38% were strains and sprains
• 35% were fractures, dislocations, contusions or inflammation
• ¼ of all claims analyzed involved the lower back and shoulders

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) found that 477,000 workers are suffering from work-related musculoskeletal disorder (new or long-standing) - of which manual handling is a key contributor.

They also found that musculoskeletal disorders account for 24% of all days lost due to work-related ill health and work-related illness.

Cost Savings

A leading compensation claims company found that claims for severe workplace back injuries can be as much as £160,000.

Though the initial investment of a powered tug is higher, the long-term savings are substantial. Reduced injury-related costs, lower staff absence, and improved productivity contribute to the overall cost efficiency of switching to a safer solution.

Compensation and Injury Costs

Injuries from manual handling can result in significant healthcare expenses and compensation claims. Pedestrian tugs help mitigate these costs by enhancing workplace safety and reducing the risk of injury.

Time-Saving Aspects

Powered tugs streamline material movement, significantly reducing handling times compared to manual methods.

Impact on Workforce Productivity

Taking the strain out of moving heavy loads and enabling a single operator to move the heaviest loads, tugs lead to higher overall productivity.

By understanding the benefits of electric tugs and the hidden costs of manual handling, businesses can make informed decisions that enhance safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in their operations.