Case Study: UMC Utrecht improves ergonomics with esense

Challenge: heavy tool trolleys in hospital causing physical complaints

At UMC Utrecht (University Medical Center), heavy hospital tool trolleys are moved daily by the Technical Service Department. Repetitive pushing and pulling of heavy trolleys created high physical strain for service technicians and increased the risk of musculoskeletal complaints and sick leave. Analysis of absenteeism data showed that in 25% of cases, pushing and pulling these trolleys was a major cause of physical overload.

The organization wanted to understand: How high is the actual physical strain? And what are the benefits of workplace ergonomics in terms of cost reduction, efficiency, and ROI?

To gain objective insight into these questions, the Esense Impact Analysis was deployed.

Health Analysis: measuring push and pull forces according to ISO 11228-2

Using an esense FieldFit system and the Esense Ergo App, push and pull forces were measured during manual movement of a tool trolley as well as during a test run with esense drive assistance.

Measurement results

Using the correct ergonomic parameters, such as push handle height, user profile, and the limit values defined in ISO 11228-2, the actual measured forces were accurately compared to the international ergonomic standard. The results were clear:

• During a 10-minute manual transport test without drive assistance, the ergonomic push and pull force limit of 16 kg defined in ISO 11228-2 was exceeded 19 times.
• With esense drive assistance, the forces remained well within recommended ergonomic force values.

The Health Analysis clearly demonstrates where physical risks occur and how ergonomic working directly contributes to a healthier and safer work environment.

ROI Analysis: reduced absenteeism and improved efficiency

The ROI Analysis focused on two key factors that directly impact costs and return on investment:

Reduced physical strain:

By lowering push and pull forces, the risk of back, neck, and shoulder complaints is significantly reduced. The analysis quantified the potential savings achieved through reduced absenteeism caused by physical overload.

Lower sick leave costs and more efficient hospital transport:

With esense, employees move more quickly and smoothly through long hospital corridors. This generates measurable daily time savings, which also represents direct financial value.

The Esense Impact Analysis demonstrated that the financial benefits clearly outweigh the investment costs of the system, fully based on real operational data from the working environment at UMC Utrecht.

Discover your ergonomic savings, contact us!

Result: healthier employees and strong financial impact

Employees immediately reported that their daily work work became significantly less physically demanding. Moving trolleys required less force and resulted in less strain on the back and neck.

“The difference is enormous. The trolley moves so much easier, and I no longer experience back pain.”
Employee at UMC Utrecht

Facts & Figures

• 2.4-year payback period over the product lifetime*
• 1,733 hours saved over the product lifetime*
• 263.5% ROI

*Based on a 10-year product lifetime

Conclusion

With esense FieldFit, UMC Utrecht improved hospital trolley ergonomics, reduced physical strain for employees, and achieved measurable ROI through safer and more efficient hospital transport.