A new lumbar back up seating system designed for underground mine staff operating loaders and haul trucks has caused in reduced injuries and weakness.

Perth-based Modern Motor Trimmers (MMT), which concentrates in suspension seats and seating products for the mining industry, has spent over five years modifying the pneumatically-operated twin air lumbar support.

The 2 stage lumbar system is incorporated into the backrest of an ISRI premium-quality T-backed seat. It utilizes the air supply from the seat's integrated air compressor or the machine's air supply to fully increase, supporting the operator's lumbar region and creating a buffer towards shock and jarring.

MMT is setting up the lumbar system in the premium quality ISRI 150kg-rated seating range, nowadays the only product available on the market to have an adjustable back rest which is often angled for greater operator comfort and assistance.

Garry Spouge, Managing Director who founded MMT in 1992, said the firm had refined and started to give the up-to-date seating product in ISRI seats in the last twelve months, as need to have for safer and more comfortable seating technology in the underground mining sector had nurtured.

"Security is the finest concern for all mining firms around The great outback, and that certainly includes worker security and wellbeing, which was the starting issue for us in terms of building up this lumbar support system," Mr Spouge said.

"Sore and unstable backs are one of the crucial frequent reasons for lost time incidents in the office, and our lower back help focuses on the lumbar region, avoiding back injuries and ultimately on-the-job exhaustion."

Mr Spouge said that MMT had previously investigated and designed a similar

T backrest for underground mining equipment, but the prototype didn't have a flexible lumbar support.

"We developed the first prototype in the middle of 1990's, but the patented system we're now using is fitted to an ISRI seat which has integrated adjustable suspension decreasing to gradual the seat suspension down, while a seat isolator reduces the forward and back jarring," he said.

"This seat was also selected as it's the only one in production to our skills that reclines. Some other companies have tried to start the 'T' back rests, but their seats are non-reclining which causes a difficulty when operators have to adjust it for comfort

"We're really blissful with our latest model, and currently the feedback we've gained has been extremely good, and especially, that it's reducing injuries and exhaustion."

Mr Spouge claims that as well as expanding operator comfort and security, the lumbar support as well assists to enhance seat life by reducing wear and tear and motivating correct posture.

"Therefore, the advantages are substantial, either for the operator as well as the supervisor," he added.

MMT's core market niche is the supply, installing and maintenance of premium suspension seats and also seating products to the WA mining, building, manufacturing, engineering and transport sectors.

The company is Western Australia's only certified firm and repairer for German manufacturer ISRI, which is greatly recognized as the company of the world's most improved driver and passenger seating products.