How can push and pull forces be measured?

Pushing and pulling in healthcare

In healthcare, caregivers regularly push and pull equipment such as patient lifts, beds, or transport trolleys. These tasks may seem minor but can cause physical strain if the forces exceed recommended ergonomic force values. That’s why it’s crucial to measure push and pull forces accurately, especially in healthcare environments where workplace ergonomics and employee safety are priorities.

Methods of measuring push and pull forces

Traditionally, push and pull forces are measured using handheld force gauges or load cells. While these tools can provide basic data, they are often time-consuming, not intuitive for healthcare employees, and don’t reflect real working conditions in healthcare environments.

Measuring push and pull forces with the esense Ergo App

The Ergo App is a Windows application that connects with any esense product. It enables live measurement of push and pull forces, making physical strain visible in real time.

How? A tablet or laptop is connected to the product, and while using this product, a live force graph shows peak forces. It directly shows when excessive push and pull force is used while pushing or pulling. The results can be processed in the Esense Impact Analysis, helping organizations move from raw data to insights into workplace ergonomics.

More info about the Esense Impact Analysis

Measuring push and pull forces with the esense Ergometer

The esense Ergometer offers a more practical and data-driven solution for the healthcare sector. Specifically designed to measure physical strain in healthcare environments, the esense Ergometer:

• Accurately measures push and pull forces in dynamic situations, such as during actual patient transfers
• Provides data on physical load, including peak and sustained forces
• Visualizes strain over time, helping to identify high-risk tasks and workflows
• Supports ergonomic assessments aligned with ISO 11228-2 guidelines
• Can be used directly on existing equipment like patient lifts or trolleys, without modifying the tools themselves

By using the esense Ergometer, healthcare facilities gain detailed insight into the physical demands placed on their staff. This data is essential for improving workplace ergonomics, reducing injury risks, and making informed decisions about assistive technology, such as power-assisted mobility solutions.

Why it matters

Accurately measuring push and pull forces enables healthcare providers to:

• Reduce musculoskeletal injury risks among healthcare employees
• Evaluate whether existing equipment meets ergonomic guidelines
• Make evidence-based improvements in processes and purchasing decisions

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