Biomechanical Evaluation of Concrete Block Handling Tool

Details

• Personal Author:
  Meador J ; Moore C ; Nimbarte A ; Sun Y
• Description:
  The physically demanding nature of the masonry work, expose masons to a number of well-recognized physical risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders. A few interventions are available to reduce masons' exposure to these risk factors. One such intervention is the use of assist tool (Versa-Lok-Lifter) for lifting and lowering the heavy concrete masonry unit (CMU) blocks. Although this tool is claimed to make the lifting and maneuvering of CMU block easier and safer, currently no quantitative data is available evaluating its effectiveness. In this ongoing investigation, 3D kinematics and musculoskeletal loading of major body joints were was evaluated during simulated block lifting and lowering tasks from floor to three different heights (7", 14", and 21") performed with and without the assist tool. So far five individuals participated in this study. Eight camera optical motion analysis system configured with two ground reaction force plates was used for kinematic data collection. With the use of tool, on an average the range of motion of the knee, hip and trunk joints decreased by 46.5%, 41.7%, and 46.4%, respectively. The peak flexion of knee, hip and trunk joints decreased by 51.9%, 39.9%, and 46.4%, respectively and the corresponding moments decreased by 44.8%, 15.9%, and 19.6%, respectively. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Environmental Exposure Musculoskeletal Diseases Musculoskeletal System Occupational Health Risk Assessment Risk Factors Safety Workplace
• Keywords:
  Body Mechanics Concretes Exposure Levels Lifting Masons MSD Muscle Function Muscles Musculoskeletal System Musculoskeletal System Disorders Physical Stress Physiological Effects Physiological Stress Physiology Risk Factors Tools Work Environment Workers

  More +
• ISBN:
  9781632663061
• Publisher:
  Institute of Industrial Engineers
• Document Type:
  Text
• Funding:
  Grant
• Genre:
  Abstract or Summary
• Place as Subject:
  OSHA Region 3 ; West Virginia
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• Volume:
  1
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20049681
• Citation:
  61st Annual Conference and Expo of the Institute of Industrial Engineers 2011, May 21-25, 2011, Reno, Nevada. Norcross, GA, Institute of Industrial Engineers, 2011 May; 1:192
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2011
• Performing Organization:
  West Virginia University
• Peer Reviewed:
  False
• Start Date:
  20050701
• Source Full Name:
  61st Annual Conference and Expo of the Institute of Industrial Engineers 2011, May 21-25, 2011, Reno, Nevada
• End Date:
  20250630
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:17ab999a08a132bfbdfbcb4ff73b7d736579e5a59ca53a920968e1f3ab8b3bb8c7fa20acc0e386424f7e707348f03a9880f7beabbe0db2a84716e942dfc7b112
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/210352/cdc_210352_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 217.45 KB ]