Electronics Technician Jeffrey “Bear” Overman has been at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) for nearly 35 years, during most of which he’s worked in the Antenna Shop. Through the years he has worked alongside his team in transporting antennas “strong backed” throughout the shop, a process that can be taxing on the worker.

“Our heaviest antenna is more than 200 pounds and even with multiple hands lifting it up it can wear out the user,” said Overman. Knowing that there had to be a better way to ensure the safety of his team, he sought a solution.

Overman contacted the Rapid Prototype Center (RPC) in search of a device that could be used to eliminate the strain on the worker when lifting and transporting the antennas. The team came up with a lifting jig attachment for a forklift.

“The Antenna Lifting Jig was made from aluminum and the transportation cart was made with t-slot and wood to hold various sizes of antennas and provide the user the ability to attach the jig onto the forklift and secure it. This takes the stress off the user during the transportation process,” said RPC Toolmaker John Tate. “The process from idea to implementation took some time to complete due to the need for materials as well as the permissions required when adjusting a lifting and handling process.”

Needing to find the right people to get the process completed, Electronics Platform Director Mike Davenport took the lead in bringing everyone together. “When I came into the shop a few months ago, Bear shared with me this idea and I wanted to do what I could to help my people have the best quality of life they can. So I did the research and found who we needed to make this a reality,” said Davenport. “The hard work was done by this team and I’m just there to support in any way I can. I’m happy to see it in the final stages now. These guys deserve this win!”

Mechanical Engineer Devon Taylor entered the mix and began drafting the full plan to be provided to the safety representatives, lifting and handling, as well as the forklift manufacturer to greenlight the new innovation.

“In process improvement, it takes a lot of effort and dedication to take an idea and make it a reality,” said Process Improvement Manager Rob Bogle. “It takes folks like Bear and the RPC team and Devon who put in the time and effort to get things done. And thanks to all they’ve done, we’re in the final stretches in getting this new innovation fully approved and implemented in the shop.”

Testing has already been completed and the team is now awaiting the final signature from the manufacturer to start utilizing the Antenna Lifting Jig on a daily basis.

“I’m so thankful to everyone who helped make this innovation happen for our shop,” said Overman. “It took a lot of dedication and patience but we’re finally here. The RPC helped us tackle a need and now we’re looking at other ways they can help us improve the work we do. If you have an idea for ways to make the job easier, don’t keep it to yourself. Share it with your supervisor and see what’s available to you to make it become a reality.”

If you have an idea that might improve your job, contact the RPC at 396-4950/4956/4758 or 778-4181.

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