The multi-directional mobile concrete drill press, such as Drill Boss^TM is an engineering control that may help reduce overhead work, kneeling and squatting, stooped postures, and hand-arm vibration.  A multi-directional mobile concrete drill press is a moveable jig that gives workers the ability to control a drill from a few feet away, and can adjust to allow drilling in any direction. 

The DrillBoss^TM allows for easier and more comfortable operation during drilling tasks.  By adjusting the jig to drill overhead, workers can avoid strenuous overhead work (Figure 1).  DrillBoss^TM can also be repositioned to allow for down-drilling, reducing the need for workers to kneel, squat, or maintain stooped postures (Figure 2).

Figure 1. Workers using DrillBoss^TM for overhead drilling (Photo courtesy of ErgoMek LLC.)

Figure 2. DrillBoss^TM positioned for down-drilling (Photo courtesy of ErgoMek LLC.)

DrillBoss^TM is designed to reduce the amount of vibration that the worker is exposed to by positioning the operator a distance from the drilling site (Figure 3).  The DrillBoss^TM has both a compression spring and a rubber handle that absorbs vibration before it reaches the worker.

Figure 3. Worker using DrillBoss^TM for lateral concrete drilling (Photo courtesy of ErgoMek LLC.)

Workers can mount and operate up to two drills at a time with DrillBoss^TM (Figure 4).

Figure 4. DrillBoss^TM set-up with two drills (Photo courtesy of ErgoMek LLC.)

A Multi-Directional Mobile Concrete Drill Press may increase productivity by reducing the amount of work necessary to complete drilling tasks.  Overhead work, kneeling, squatting, and stooped postures all increase work demands on a worker’s body.  By eliminating the need to be in these postures, DrillBoss^TM may allow workers to complete more tasks before getting tired. 

DrillBoss^TM distances the driver from the worksite, which may reduce worker exposure to silica dust that is released in the air during drilling tasks. However, it may be necessary to wear a high-efficiency particulate respirator during operation.

Due to the cost, only larger contractors will likely use DrillBoss^TM.

Dan Anton, PT, PhD, ATC; and Elizabeth Seidl, SPT – Eastern Washington University

• Structural Steel
  • Drill, grind and saw materials
    • Hand-Arm Vibration
    • Kneeling & Squatting
    • Overhead work
    • Stooped postures