workers at train tracks in bending posture using back exoskeletons
workers at train tracks in bending posture using back exoskeletons
workers at train tracks in bending posture using back exoskeletons
Deutsche Bahn

Effective relief for bent posture

Not only handling heavy loads strains the back, but also sustained, stooped posture can lead to pain or chronic back problems.

At the Deutsche Bahn and its affiliated companies (e.g., DB InfraGo, DB Regio, DB FZI), numerous workplaces require employees to adopt frequently unhealthy forced postures.

For instance, during the installation of air conditioning units, vehicle maintenance staff kneel for extended periods in a stooped position on the roofs of wagons. This places high strain not only on the lumbar spine but also on the knees.

During outdoor track maintenance operations, tasks such as grinding, flexing, assembling, and screwing are commonplace. Employees assume a bent forced posture, which cannot be prevented by technical or organizational solutions. In this case, the exoskeleton reduces the strain peaks in critical areas, thereby supporting colleagues.

Occupational health management (OHM) get in contact with SUITX by Ottobock

As more and more employees reported shoulder and back pain and were unable to work due to illness, the Occupational Health Management (OHM) of Deutsche Bahn contacted Ottobock for the first time in 2019. The framework agreement concluded at that time initially included the Paexo Shoulder (a predecessor model of the IX SHOULDER AIR for supporting over-shoulder and overhead tasks) and the complete Compact range. Meanwhile, the IX BACK and IX BACK AIR have also been included in the agreement, supporting the lumbar area and relieving it during repetitive lifting tasks and pronounced forward-bent posture.

Operating sites test the back Exos from SUITX

Since September 2023, the operational sites, in coordination with the OHM, have been able to convince themselves of the effectiveness of the back exoskeletons. They have the opportunity, for example, with a standard experience package, to test a certain number of exoskeletons over a certain period to determine if they are suitable for their work areas.

More than 100 employees at over 20 locations have already been able to gain experience with the SUITX by Ottobock exoskeletons.

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