Ergonomic lifting: How TAWI’s solutions improved productivity

Problem identification

The executive staff from Life’s Abundance’s headquarters in Florida came to TAWI with a need.  Their problem was loading 18+ kg bags of dog and cat food more safely and efficiently from a pallet into an awaiting box on the shipping conveyor.  Day in and day out, year after year, employees were manually lifting these heavy bags and manoeuvre them into boxes.

Accordingly, as a company that cares about its employees, Life’s Abundance wanted to find a back- and time-saving alternative. Further, while full-time employees are dedicated to their work and the company’s mission, temporary workers would baulk at being asked to do this heavy lifting. They’ve even been known not to return to the shipping line after lunch! The pace of the company’s growth makes keeping up with demand nearly impossible for warehouse staff without some innovation.

“It’s important to communicate to our staff that we care about them.”

-Sasha Stephens, Project Director, Life’s Abundance

The solution

Life’s Abundance had an expert evaluate their workflow and help develop a solution. Exploring other lift assists, including a pallet lifter, nothing seemed to be the right fit. After an in-depth, weeklong analysis, one of the things the workflow consultant recommended was a TAWI vacuum lifter.

Successful implementation of TAWI ergonomics lifting equipment

As with any new change, there is always some apprehension. Although, in the beginning, some employees were concerned it would slow them down. Just like the tortoise and the hare, sometimes speed doesn’t always win the race.

After installation, the employees enjoyed learning how to use the vacuum lifter and even referred to it as “fun”. It did not take long for the entire team to become comfortable using it. A couple of months in, the staff could not imagine going a shift without their TAWI multifunctional lifter.  Without question, they find it easier to keep up with demand without breaking their backs by using the handheld vacuum lifter.

Afterwards, this was tested when Life’s Abundance had to quarantine staff from one of its warehouses over concerns due to COVID-19.  A small but diverse group of administrative managers was able to step in and take over shipping.  This temporary team successfully filled all the day’s orders, thanks in large part to help from the TAWI vacuum lifter.

Expectations and gains

Life’s Abundance had high hopes that the TAWI multifunctional lifter would solve their dual problems of efficiency and safety. Certainly, It has proven to help speed up their daily shipping process and allowed for increased package volume.  And importantly, choosing to integrate the vacuum lifter communicated clearly to employees that the company cares about their comfort, safety and job satisfaction.

The company has six warehouse facilities nationwide and will introduce a TAWI multifunctional lifter into each facility by the end of 2020.

More information about increasing productivity with a more flexible workforce

• Read more about our lifting solutions for other industries