Study Reveals HeroWear Exosuits Significantly Reduce Back Injuries in Warehousing
A recent study conducted by HeroWear, an occupational exosuit company, has unveiled the remarkable impact of exosuits on reducing back injuries among workers in the warehousing industry. The study, which collected data from multiple companies deploying HeroWear’s Apex 2 exosuits, showed a substantial decrease in back injury incidence, highlighting the effectiveness of exoskeleton technology in enhancing workplace safety.
The HeroWear Apex 2 exosuit is designed to reduce muscle fatigue and strain by up to 40% during physically-demanding movements, providing workers with additional support and protection while performing strenuous tasks. Exoskeletons, such as the Apex 2, are wearable devices that augment, assist, and enhance physical activity, offering a new level of support for individuals engaged in manual labor.
The study analyzed injury data from over 280,000 hours of work, equivalent to 140 full-time employees working for a year while regularly wearing exosuits. This comprehensive dataset encompassed an estimated 50-60 million lifts performed by workers in various distribution centers in the United States. The results were truly groundbreaking, as zero back injuries were reported among workers wearing exosuits, representing a significant improvement compared to historical injury rates.
Furthermore, exosuit users reported a 25% decrease in work-related bodily discomfort and a 20% reduction in work-related fatigue on average. Prior to the implementation of exosuits, distribution centers would have expected around 10.5 back injuries during the same period based on historical data, underscoring the transformative impact of exoskeleton technology on workplace safety.
Mark Harris, CEO of HeroWear, expressed his enthusiasm for the study’s findings, emphasizing the importance of protecting workers and reducing healthcare costs for companies. He remarked, “Our clients are dedicated to ensuring the well-being of their employees, and we are thrilled to see the positive impact of our exosuits on both workplace safety and the quality of life for workers.”
The study not only demonstrated the immediate benefits of using exosuits in reducing injury risk but also highlighted the long-term advantages of investing in this innovative technology. With back pain being a leading cause of disability globally and overexertion at work costing U.S. businesses billions annually, the financial return on investment (ROI) from deploying HeroWear’s Apex 2 exosuits is substantial, potentially yielding up to 2.4 times the deployment cost in the first year through injury reduction alone.
Several companies that participated in the study, including URM, a food distributor in the Inland Northwest, praised the impact of HeroWear’s exosuits on their workforce. Phil Heide, Director of EH&S at URM, stated, “We are committed to enhancing the quality of life for our warehouse pickers, and HeroWear’s product has truly revolutionized workplace safety for our team members.”
Other participants, such as a distribution director from a major paint manufacturer and a distribution leader from an international perishable grocery chain, echoed similar sentiments about the positive effects of exosuits on reducing fatigue and discomfort among workers. The seamless training and implementation process facilitated by HeroWear’s team further contributed to the overall success of the study.
Dr. Karl Zelik, HeroWear co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer, emphasized the importance of collecting longitudinal data on exosuits to better understand their impact on injury rates over time. He highlighted the outstanding results observed in the study and expressed the company’s commitment to continue gathering data to further enhance the efficacy of exoskeleton technology in various industries.
Overall, the study’s findings underscore the significant role that exosuits play in improving workplace safety, reducing injury risk, and enhancing the overall well-being of workers in physically demanding jobs. With the potential to transform the way individuals perform manual tasks and mitigate the risk of back injuries, HeroWear’s Apex 2 exosuits represent a groundbreaking advancement in occupational safety and health.
In conclusion, the study’s results reaffirm the effectiveness of exoskeleton technology in reducing back injuries and improving the quality of life for workers in the warehousing industry. By leveraging innovative solutions like HeroWear’s exosuits, companies can not only protect their employees but also achieve substantial ROI by investing in workplace safety and injury prevention initiatives. As the demand for advanced safety technologies continues to grow, exoskeletons are poised to revolutionize the future of work, creating safer and more productive environments for workers across various industries.