Reducing Risk of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Promoting Return-To-Work Through the Use of Rebar Tying Machines
| Principal Investigator(s): | Tony Almeida (International Association of Bridge Structural & Ornamental Iron Workers, Local 721)
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| Co-Investigator(s): | Peter Vi, Nadine Marks (Construction Safety Association of Ontario)
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| Sponsoring Institution: | International Association of Bridge Structural & Ornamental Iron Workers, Local 721 |
Objective
The purpose of this study was to determine the potential reduction in the risk of musculoskeletal injuries to rodworkers when using an automatic rebar tying machine, and to determine the efficacy of the rebar tying machine as a rehabilitation device for the purpose of assisting injured workers in an early return to work program.
Method
The research project was divided into three phases. The first phase of the study was conducted in a controlled laboratory setting to investigate the biomechanical differences between manual tying and using the rebar tying machine. In the second phase of the study, a field experiment was conducted to investigate the long-term health benefits of using the rebar tying machine. The last stage of the study was also conducted in the field setting to test the efficacy of the rebar tying machine as a rehabilitation device to assist injured workers in an early return to work program.
Results
The results from the first two phases consistently showed a reduction in awkward posture of the trunk, wrist, and arms when rodworkers worked with the rebar tying machine. The reduction in awkward wrist/hand motion and static awkward trunk posture can lead to a reduction in the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. The first two phases also revealed the tying machine’s ability to tie rebar of various sizes and at the same time increase tying speed when compared with traditional manual methods in some applications. Subjective inputs from experienced rodworkers indicated they preferred to work with the rebar tying machine. The perception of ‘deskilling’ the rebar trade when using the rebar tying machine was not found to be a factor in preventing the use of the mechanical tool.
In the thrd phase of the study, the tying machine was evaluated for its potential promotion of early return to work. The results from the four injured rodworkers indicated the tying machine was able to accommodate their injuries, allowing the workers to return to their pre-injury job.
Publications
Vi, Peter (2003), “Reducing Risk of Musculoskeletal Disorders through the Use of Rebar Tying Machines.” Applied Occupational and Environmental Hygiene 18:1-6.
For more information:
petervi@csao.org
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