Information on this page is drawn from "Laborer: Better tools improve posture when cleaning raised metal floor tiles in place" published by intel

NOTE: Request for permission pending.

Task

Cleaning marks off raised metal floor tiles manually.

Exposure

Working on their hands and knees on the metal floor, workers use a chemically treated cloth and forcefully work the cloth back and forth until the mark is gone. This exposes the worker to the musculoskeletal risks associated with awkward posture, forceful exertion and repetitive motion. Kneeling on the grating also introduces exposure to contact stress.

Intervention

A tool was designed with a pistol grip to support the wrist in a neutral posture, thus eliminating awkward posture and reducing forceful exertion. Kneeling on anti-fatigue material reduces the exposure to contact stress. This company supported creativity on the part of their workers and was lucky enough to have someone who had many innovative ideas.

Material

Pistol grip handle was purchased at a hardware store and knee mat at a garden shop.

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Laborer: Better tools improve posture when cleaning raised metal floor tiles in place