Manually installing large windows and sheet materials requires workers to handle heavy and bulky objects.  You may need to lift and carry them some distance to the installation site.  When installing them, you may have to use a lot of strength to hold them while they are placed and secured.

A vacuum lifter can be attached to a forklift, or to a small counter-balanced crane built in the shop.  It can also be attached to a larger crane for outdoor work.

(Photo courtesy of NIOSH)

In commercial buildings unitized building skin panels or windows can be placed from the interior of the structure with similar but larger equipment.  This can reduce crane hook-time and associated schedule costs, but can only be implemented at the design phase of the structure or building.  Designing windows and panels to weigh so much that mechanical lifting aides or cranes are required, because manual handling is impossible, may also reduce lifting injury risks.

• Drywall, Glass & Floor Coverings
  • Cut, etch and install decorative glass
    • Cuts and punctures from tools or materials
    • Lifting and Carrying (Manual materials Handling)
  • Cut, place and install windows, mirrors and protective glass and plastic
    • Lifting and Carrying (Manual materials Handling)