Case Study: UMC Utrecht improving workplace 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 sickness absence. Analysis of absenteeism data showed that in 25% of cases, pushing and pulling these trolleys was a major cause of physical overload.

The organisation 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 return on investment?

To gain objective insight into these questions and support manual handling risk assessment, the Esense Impact Analysis was deployed.

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

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 powered drive assistance.

Measurement results

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

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

The Health Analysis clearly demonstrates where manual handling risks occur and how workplace ergonomics contributes to safer and healthier working conditions.

ROI Analysis: reduced sickness absence and improved efficiency

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

Reduced manual handling 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 sickness absence caused by physical strain.

Reduced sickness absence costs and more efficient hospital transport:

With esense, taff were able to move equipment more efficiently and with less physical effort 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, based on real workplace data from the operational environment at UMC Utrecht.

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Result: healthier staff and reduced workplace strain

Employees reported that their daily 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 much more easily, 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 manual handling practices within healthcare environments. The case study demonstrates how objective ergonomic measurements can support workplace ergonomics and manual handling risk reduction. The results are relevant to the UK healthcare sector and aligned with HSE pushing and pulling guidance, helping organisations reduce physical strain and lower sickness absence.