Case Study
Design of a workplace for a crane operator

This is a port logistics company.

The man has a spinal condition and diabetes with well controlled blood sugar levels. Due to the disability, stresses caused by standing for long periods of time, frequent bending, vibration/impact and the climate (temperature fluctuations) should be avoided when performing activities. The GdB (degree of disability) is 50.

The man is employed as a crane operator by the company.

The man works in the harbor 12 meters above the dock in a crane operator's cabin of a tower crane. To load and unload ships, the man drives the tower crane on rails along the harbor basin. With one grip, he moves 30 tons. The visibility from and ergonomics in the outdated crane cab required the employee to frequently assume a stooped posture to ensure visual contact with the loading point. At the same time, he turned his upper body to the side and assumed a static posture to ensure sensitive crane operation. The temperature conditions in the cab were cold in winter and very warm in summer, depending on the weather. In addition, there was the physical stress caused by vibrations from the crane and the ground to be travelled on. They were then transmitted to the crane operator's body, and thus also to the spine, via the feet and buttocks.
To improve working conditions for the employee, the old crane cab was removed and the crane was fitted with a new glazed as well as insulated crane cab with vibration-reducing cab suspension and air conditioning. The actual control station was also completely renewed with an integrated individually adjustable and vibration-damping work seat and ergonomically arranged operating elements. The renewal of the crane cab with control station makes it possible for the crane operator to work in a seated posture with low vibration, and there is always a uniformly good temperature and air quality in the cab.

The design suitable for disabled people was supported by the Office for Integration and Inclusion. Advice was provided by the Technical Advisory Service of the Integration and Inclusion Office.