Solution Summary: Portable Storage Utility Cart
Portable storage utility carts typically have shelves with leveled-surfaces or open-bins that roll on wheels carrying tools and material.
Description:
A portable storage, or utility, cart is an engineering control that can reduce musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) from manual material handling. These carts typically have shelves with leveled-surfaces or open-bins that roll on wheels to help carry tools and material.
Transporting tools between locations on a worksite can be a strenuous task. When portable work benches are not available, tools often are put on the floor, creating a safety hazard for other workers.
Rubbermaid® carts
Portable storage carts, such as those from Rubbermaid®, make transporting tools easier and allow for easy storage.
Rubbermaid® carts come in a variety of designs to handle specific tasks. Some are designed for easy transport and others are equipped with more storage options. Most of the industrial grade products from Rubbermaid® have wheels for increase portability. The wheel sizes range from large to small, allowing for use in multiple work locations. The carts have weight capacities that range from 250-500 pounds.
When there is not a portable work bench or cart available, the floor oftentimes becomes the new work surface. Most portable storage carts designed for construction have a level surface on top that doubles as a work surface.
Risks Addressed:
Heavy lifting and carrying and 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. Portable storage carts may help to reduce worker heavy lifting and carrying and stooped postures by providing workers with surface that can easily transport materials and, often times, double as a level work space at waist height.
How Risks are Reduced:
On nearly every construction site, tools need to be carried between different work locations. Tools are often heavy or difficult to carry, which increases stress on the worker’s body. After tools are moved to the site where they will be used, they are often placed on the floor, which creates a trip hazard. Work with the tools frequently takes place on the floor, causing awkward stooping of the back.
Manufacturers claim that portable storage cart design, along with specialized handles and casters, reduces muscle strain when transporting heavy loads. The top surface of many specialized carts, which double as work surfaces, are constructed of durable material that prevents cracking and shattering.
Effects on Productivity:
The use of portable storage carts has little or no impact on productivity.
Additional Considerations:
The design of many of portable storage carts makes them versatile in different environments, but due to the wheels on most of the models, a smooth surface is required for safe transportation. Some of the models with larger wheels may be able to navigate rougher surfaces. However, other carts, especially when loaded down with 250-500 lbs, will be unable to roll over uneven or soft surfaces, such a gravel or dirt.
Contributors:
Dan Anton, PT, PhD, ATC and Cassie Malecha, DPT – Eastern Washington University
Hazards Addressed:
- Roofing
- Unload and transport material at ground level and to roofs
Availability
Rubbermaid
To obtain information, visit http://www.rubbermaidcommercial.com
or contact 1-800-347-9800
United States Plastics Corp.
To obtain information, visit http://www.usplastic.com
or contact 1-800-809-4217
