German crane cab manufacturer KML Miller believes that modern design and layout are best illustrated by its eyecab concept, which is a modular cell development based around fibreglass-reinforced plastic, chosen because of its ultra-light weight and its anti-corrosion properties.

“eyecab both maximises comfort, while at the same time incorporating the various safety standards now demanded by the industry,” says sales manager Ralph Held. “The eyecab name emphasises the crane operator's need to have an almost perfect view when handling vessels. So, the cab itself mimics the shape of the lens in a human eye; the crane operator therefore virtually becomes the eye of the machine.”

KML Miller has developed heating and air conditioning technology that tightly regulates air circulation, temperature and the overall degree of humidity within the cab. Seats are also crafted according to recent ergonomic findings, taking into account the constant vibration crane operators are exposed to. Working panels have been arranged to be understood as intuitively and intelligently as possible. These are important considerations, since they help relieve unnecessary pressure on both the spinal column and the wrists of the operator. This helps prevent exhaustion and back pain, as well as reducing the risk of repetitive strain injury.

“By making things easier for the operator, motivation increases, which results in better productivity and lower costs all round,” Mr Held says.

He concedes that much of the knowledge governing ergonomics has been understood for quite some time, but only recent breakthroughs in material technology are allowing manufacturers to put this knowledge into practice.

Modern exterior design allows cabs to better withstand strong winds, the corroding effects of salt and permanently high levels of air moisture. KML Miller has developed a special lacquer which helps achieve this, although Mr Held also says that another key factor has been improved standards of manufacturing.

Harry H Zhu, vice president of Chinese cab manufacturer Rainbow, also believes that the comfort of the crane operator is of paramount importance.

“In the US, Europe and in many developing countries, there are ever stricter safety regulations that have to be met, while workers themselves are attracted by improved working conditions. A more comfortable working environment inside the cab, especially one involving reduced noise levels, can help reduce tiredness, thereby improving efficiency and the overall focus of the crane operator on the job in hand,” says Mr Zhu.

He explains that research into ergonomics has shown that the overall cab environment is a major contributing factor towards increasing operator efficiency, particularly in regard to maintaining concentration throughout a typical working shift. In addition, work-related illness tends to be lower when the cab environment is good - again common ground between our office workers and crane drivers. As an added bonus, ergonomically designed cabs also take up less space.

“Stricter regulations, certainly, have been a major driving force in improving the cab working environment. Furthermore, as economic development has spread around the globe, workers themselves are demanding a better quality environment in which to work. Better working environments also prompt workers to remain longer in their jobs, so they become better skilled and therefore more efficient. As labour costs have risen, it makes economic sense to try and retain crane operators by making them feel as comfortable as possible.”

Mr Zhu says that over the last several years, there have been significant improvements to crane cab environments and to the way that cabs are built, but there is still more to do, he says. He singles out the need to find lighter, but stronger, materials, which are also more environmentally friendly.

“Although it is theoretically possible to retrofit old cranes with modern cabs, everything depends on the original design of the cab. Sometimes modern cabs are compatible with older designs of crane, but sometimes not. Nor is there a universal fitting; each crane manufacturer has their own, which clearly makes retrofitting harder to implement. As a cab manufacturer, we would like to see standard fitting used throughout the industry, which would be both more convenient and more economic,” says Mr Zhu.