Ergonomic Interventions in the Building, Repair, and Dismantling of Ships

Easy Fixes: Robotic Welder

Hazard: Welding rib and web stiffeners onto steel plate manually requires the worker to kneel or squat on the plate to weld. This task results in stresses to the worker's back, neck, and legs.

Solution: The web and rib stiffeners are welded in place simultaneously by a robotic welder at a Japanese shipyard (see photo). A more consistent and higher quality weld versus a manual weld is possible with this equipment. Worker stresses are eliminated due to change in the process.

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