Automatically Open & Close Privacy Windows

Why you need a powered window opener

Does your office have privacy windows that need to be opened and then closed each time you speak to a patient, customer or client?  The motion of reaching up and out and exerting enough force to slide the window open and closed poses injury risk to the worker’s shoulder.

Shoulder injuries are one of the most prevalent on-the-job injuries today.  Many of these shoulder injuries result in time loss and permanent restricted tasks and postures.  Prevention is always less expensive than reaction when it comes to on the job injuries.  So consider this; how many times per day does the receptionist reach to open and close a privacy window?  In most offices the window is situated in a way that the reach falls within extended reach areas.  We’ve spoken about extended reach and the dangers it poses before.  Even though the window requires only a few pounds, normally less than 6, when that force is required at arms length the perceived force effect is multiplied several times.   Try this; hold a full cup of coffee like you would normally.  Take note of the weight you are sensing.  Now hold that same cup at arms length.  You should notice a significant difference.  An average cup of coffee in a mug weighs about 1 lb.  Make a guess about how much weight your feeling when your arm is extended.  Now multiply that by 5 or 6 and you have an idea of what it’s like to open and close a privacy window.  Count the repetitions and you have an accumulated force/weight for the day.