Salzburg invention

Hovering instead of standing brings relief on the job

Many people struggle with their health at work. Inventor Peter Lammer (right, with Claudia and Annabell) developed a hovering chair to help.(Bild: Salzmann Sabine)

After a motorcycle accident, a Salzburg landlord invented a standing and moving aid for disabled people at work. Now the Bistro Bauchladen in the Schallmoos district of Salzburg has also been equipped with it. 

The employees move through the kitchen of the Bauchladen in Salzburg-Schallmoos seemingly light as a feather on the bike seat, which is mounted on rails on the ceiling. "It's a great relief for the back," say Claudia and Annabell enthusiastically.

First attempt with climbing harnesses
Two "floating workstations" have just been set up. The seat called "Standing Ovation" was invented by Johanneskeller host Peter Lammer, who mustered all his strength after a motorcycle accident and wanted to continue working in the kitchen. Together with his friend Bernhard Tichy, he began working on a solution in 2016. "We first tried it with climbing harnesses and then developed it further."

Partners from industry to gastronomy now rely on the help. The system has been patented internationally and is also used in rehabilitation clinics. The frauenanderskompetent bistro, where women are prepared for re-entry into working life, is now the second kitchen in Salzburg to be equipped.

The Ministry of Social Affairs and AMS Salzburg are funding the project. "It shows how age-appropriate working can work," says AMS boss Jacqueline Beyer. The labor market potential of people with chronic illnesses or disabilities who want to be actively employed is enormous, she says. 80 percent of 1,800 Salzburg companies with more than 25 employees pay penalties because they do not hire people with disabilities.