Today, we meet Olivier Berniolles, manager of the BUT store in Saint Paul Lès Dax, as well as Perceval Manche and Geoffrey Barucc employees at the goods receiving department.
Olivier Berniolles : Store manager BUT Saint Paul Lès Dax
You are the first store manager in France to have integrated exoskeletons. Why did you do it?
We heard about exoskeletons from Thomas Daudré Vignier, from the BUT platform. In the store, we had a health problem concerning our employees at the goods receiving department. Often, the two employees working in this position had to make a lot of effort to unload the trucks. We had to find a way to relieve the employees of this burden.
What other solutions did you put in place before the exoskeleton?
We did not have any mechanical means to put in place because there was no option to adapt the vehicle to help the employees.
Why did you choose the Japet.W exoskeleton?
It’s mainly to preserve our teams. These are people who have been with the company for years. We have a certain loyalty in our staff and they are people we can count on. That’s why we absolutely had to try to keep them so they could continue their jobs for as long as possible and, above all, stay healthy, which was the most important thing for us.
What is your feedback on the integration of the exoskeleton in your store?
The employees have noticed that the exoskeletons allow them to relieve their backs when carrying loads, without altering their physical capacities. The device helps them enormously, especially when heavy loads need to be carried and they have no choice but to do it manually.
Would you advise your colleagues to test this device in their stores?
I would almost say that it is an obligation. We are also there to take care of the well-being and health of the employees. It is a major element for sustainability in the company. It seems to me to an important and totally useful tool.
A few words to conclude?
We were well supported by Japet. They came regularly and offered us follow-up and support throughout the integration phase. They were always there to answer all our questions. So far, we can say that it has been a great success.
Perceval Manche and Geoffrey Barucc store employees at the goods receiving department
What does your job involve?
Perceval Manche: My job consists of receiving the trucks, unloading them and storing the items in the warehouse.
Geoffrey Barucc: It’s a lot of handling, a lot of carrying of heavy loads. It’s very repetitive, so obviously the back is a little sore at the end of the day.
Can you tell us about your problem?
Perceval Manche: I had back problems when I was quite young. When I was about 23 years old, I was diagnosed with a protruded disc. I have had to take medication regularly since then.
How did the integration of the exoskeleton go?
Perceval Manche: The integration of the exoskeleton went very well. We had a first appointment to try the device, then we had regular phone appointments with Japet in order for them to get our feedback. Today, we use it regularly, about 2 to 3 hours a day.
Geoffrey Barucc: We have been using the device for almost six months now. Gradually, the use has become more daily, with longer periods of wearing the device.
How do you feel with the device?
Perceval Manche: I feel much less muscle fatigue in my back. I have much less pain after an effort, for example, after unloading a truck. No complaints, it is really very very good for muscle fatigue and back pain. I am very satisfied!
Geoffrey Barucc: The exoskeleton helps us maintain safe back postures by avoiding dangerous postures. As far as back fatigue is concerned, it’s obvious. After a certain period of time, we realize that the fatigue that we could feel before is very much reduced compared to the one felt before being equipped with an exoskeleton. It is effective!
Find the article of the media Sud Ouest on the topic by clicking here (Note: The article is in French).
You want to know more about the Japet.W exoskeleton?
We explain it all right here! Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have a need, we’ll be happy to discuss the matter with you further.