Solution Summary: Overhead Drilling
Description:
An overhead drill press in an engineering control that can reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders from overhead work and stressful hand and wrist activities. A drill is mounted on a saddle and a telescoping vertical column positions the drill for overhead drilling. The extension and retraction of the vertical column can be manually powered by a handwheel or by hydraulic power. A dust suppression system captures dust during drilling operations to control silica and other dust exposures.
- Drill saddle – supports and secures the drill, and is located at the top of the drill press,
- Adjustable column – allows the drill to be raised and lowered to the desired height
- Trigger switch – activates the drill from ground level
- Base – supports the drill on the ground
- Power source – supplies power to the drill
- Wheels – provides mobility

Risks Addressed:
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 overhead drill press can help reduce overhead work by allowing the upper arms to be held below the shoulder and closer to the waist.
How Risks are Reduced:
Effects on Productivity:
An inverted drill press increases productivity by decreasing drilling time.
Additional Considerations:
A drill bit extension does not prevent the neck from being bent back while drilling overhead. Workers shoulder be instructed to change stressful neck positions frequently. Alternately, job rotation has been used at many worksites to minimize exposure to excessive backward bending of the neck.
Contributors:
Dan Anton, PT, PhD, ATC and Cassie Malecha, DPT – Eastern Washington University
Hazards Addressed:
- Masonry, Tile, Cement & Plaster
- Drill holes and install reinforcing rods and anchors
Availability
Paragon Pro Manufacturing Solutions
To obtain information, visit Hydraulic-Powered Overhead Drill
or contact 1-701-775-0551 sales@paragonpromfg.com
Return on Investment
“Click to Begin", then “Load an Example” and select "Overhead Drill Press & Dust Control".