Solution Summary: Drill Bit Extension
Description:
The drill bit extension is an engineering control that can help reduce musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) due to overhead work. Drill bit extensions can be attached to a standard drill or screw gun allowing a worker to hold the tool below the shoulder and closer to the waist. This reduces force at the shoulder and minimizes strain of the arms when drilling overhead.
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Figure 2. Example of a Milwaukee drill bit extension (Photo courtesy of Milwaukee Tool)
Figure 3. Example of a Greenlee drill bit extension (Photo courtesy of Greenlee Tools, Inc.)
Risks Addressed:
Overhead drilling can cause musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) such as shoulder muscle strains; tendonitis, which is inflammation of the tendons; or rotator cuff tears, which is a rupture of a shoulder tendon. The drill bit extension can help reduce overhead work by allowing the hands to be near the waist and the arms next to the body while drilling overhead.
How Risks are Reduced:
Effects on Productivity:
Additional Considerations:
Contributors:
Dan Anton, PT, PhD, ATC, Cassie Malecha, DPT, and Neil Morris, SPT – Eastern Washington University
Availability
Milwaukee Electric Tool Co.
To obtain information, visit www.milwaukeetool.com
or contact 1-800-729-3878 http://www.milwaukeetool.com/contact
Greenlee Tools, Inc.
To obtain information, visit www.greenlee.com
or contact 1-800-435-0786 grncustomerservice@emerson.com
Irwin Tools
To obtain information, visit www.irwin.com
or contact 1-800-464-7946 http://www.irwin.com/about-us/contact-us