Ergoseat

A few years ago, Merford launched the Ergoseat.
Nowadays, Merford is very successful with the Ergoseat, which is used by operators all over the world.

General:
Special seat-combination, designed for crane-drivers most of the time looking downwards. Two designs are available: suspended from the ceiling (Ergoseat-H) and mounted on the floor of the cabin (Ergoseat-S).
The Ergoseat-S is applicable in refurbishment situations.

Ergonomics, to prevent injuries:
The principal is based on spreading the forces in the body by leaning on the full adjustable armrests. This gives the possibility to bend the lower part of the back more, and to create a better position of the neck. Also, the position of the wrists will be improved.
The seat-combination is designed for male and female adults world-wide. The ergonomic qualities are well judged by leading specialist.

Scientific research:
TNO (as an independent institute) has made a comparable scientific research with regards to a traditional working position and the working position of a crane driver in the ERGOSEAT. This report presents the effect on posture, dividing of pressure, comfort and performance, related to absence due to illness and incapacity. The results of this research will resist during possible jurisdiction.
In the table below you can find a download to a summary of this report.

Financial consequences:
Easy calculations prove that reducing of injuries, the preventing of incapacity and the improved productivity and efficiency shall payback the investments in the short term.
Besides, using the Ergoseat will create an improved satisfation of the crane drivers and prevent claims from crane drivers to the employer based on the new international ISO standards.

Visibility:
The way of suspension gives the possibility to create a bigger floor-window.
In combination with the slender armrests, the lack of obstacles below the seat and possible extra floor-windows this gives an excellent visibility downwards.
Because of the small dimensions, there is less need for a huge drivers-cabin. Also, this creates a better view side/backwards in combination with well designed side-windows in the cabin.

Control system:
The design is based on smaller joy-sticks.
Around the joy-sticks there is a possibility for about 10 push-buttons to control primary functions and emergency stops. For secondary functions and possible data information there is a possibility for a touch- screen or a separate side-panel in the cabin.

Approach Merford:
Our approach with regards to the marketing of our Ergoseat is based on a close cooperation with the end-user. First we analyse whether the Ergoseat is the right product. Next, we design an ergonomic lay-out of the control components, together with the end-user and possible the electrical supplier of the crane manufacturer.

We deliver the Ergoseat together with a cabin, or as a plug and play unit (installation of control components).
After installation we offer the option for training the keyusers and we provide service afterwards.

Working together with the end user gives us input for future new developments and to optimalise the Ergoseat for users.