Solution Summary: Adjustable Work Stand
This functions as a workstation with adjustable legs that improves stability on uneven ground.
Description:
An adjustable work stand is an engineering control that may reduce overhead work and stooped postures. An adjustable work stand consists of three legs on each side of the work stand plank that are independently adjustable.
Each stand of the adjustable work stand weighs 16 pounds, has a 44-inch base with a tapered tripod design, and elevates the platform for standing from 3-5 feet high in 1.5-inch increments. Each leg can be independently adjusted to accommodate for uneven ground. A pair of stands accept a 24-foot plank that is 2 feet wide and can hold up to 600 pounds. Non-skid rubber feet ensure all-surface traction.
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(Photo courtesy of ReechCraft, Inc.)
Risks Addressed:
Stooped postures can cause low back disorders, such as muscle strain or a disc herniation (“slipped disc”), which is bulging of disc material possibly pressing on the spinal cord or nerves that go into the leg. As a workstation, the adjustable work stand can help reduce stooped postures by accommodating to a construction worker’s height.
Overhead work 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 adjustable work stand can help reduce overhead work because it has many increments for proper height when used as a scaffold.
How Risks are Reduced:
An adjustable work stand reduces overhead work and stooped postures when used with proper height adjustment.
The manufacturer claims that the adjustable work stand is, “The ultimate in safety, versatility and strength… The extra frame and tapered tripod design provides unmatched stability and easy platform access.”
Safety and health experts agree that the adjustable work stand can reduce stooped postures when used as a workstation. As a scaffold, the adjustable work stand can reduce overhead work if used at the proper height.
Effects on Productivity:
There is no research on productivity for adjustable work stands.
Contributors:
Dan Anton, PT, PhD, ATC; Jesse Brouwer, SPT; and Kevin Wright, SPT – Eastern Washington University
Hazards Addressed:
- General Labor
- Brace and assemble temporary structures
Availability
ReechCraft, Inc.
To obtain information, visit Bronco Adjustable Work Stand
or contact 1-800-600-6160 info@reechcraft.com
