JLG Industries Elevates Workplace Safety with Smart Wearables

The challenge

Since developing and manufacturing their first aerial work platform 50 years ago, JLG Industries has become the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of construction access equipment. The company is dedicated to going above and beyond in helping customers work more safely and boost productivity - a value that extends to their own essential workforce as well.

JLG Industries is continuously evolving its workplace safety program to keep employees healthy and safe. With shoulder and back injuries from overexertion being one of the most frequent and expensive types of injury workers experience, the company has turned to an innovative ergonomic solution to reduce risky movements.

The solution

JLG Industries recently elevated its safety program by deploying wearable technology in two equipment manufacturing facilities. Approximately 400 employees on the JLG shop floor receive real time alerts from the KINETIC Reflex device when excessive bending, twisting, or reaching is detected. These notifications allow associates to continuously improve the way they move on the job. Information from the device is being used to reduce the number of high risk movements across the facilities.

"These devices create awareness for underlying issues where we currently have no visibility until it's too late."

Ashley Metz

SAFETY MANAGER FOR JLG INDUSTRIES

The KINETIC Reflex technology

• is discrete, comfortable, and easy-to-wear on belts or waistbands.
• is designed for an industrial environment - water and impact resistant, wireless charging.
• uses gentle vibrations to alert workers of unsafe postures and proximity risks.
• includes a cloud-based web dashboard detailing risk profiles and worker interactions.
• offers enterprise-level customer support and account management.

The result

During a six-week initial deployment of the KINETIC Reflex, ergonomic results exceeded JLG’s expectations with a 38% improvement of high-risk postures.

Data from the device has helped management assess job site environments, leading to workstation redesigns that reduce RESULTS high risk movements. Some resulting site changes have even become company standards going forward!

JLG also reported wearables have fortified their company safety culture, creating a more proactive approach and an easy environment for employees to talk about opportunities for improvement.