

Solution: Powered Hand Trucks

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	Description:	Powered hand trucks are engineering controls that enable one or two workers to move heavy loads with minimal effort and without awkward postures. These hand trucks can move loads vertically (e.g. stairs, or loading docks) or across worksites using self-propelled wheels. There are many varieties of powered hand trucks available. Most have aluminum frames, are battery operated, weigh 120 to 170 pounds, and lift between 450 and 1500 lbs. Powered hand trucks can be used to carry heating and AC units, water heaters, drums, motors, transformers, refrigerators, and other appliances. Powered hand trucks are for manual materials handling on level surfaces, up and down stairs, on and off trucks, between trucks and loading docks and over obstacles such as curbs and thresholds. They can be self-propelled for moving items on level surfaces or have motors for lifting up steps. Many accessories for powered hand trucks are available: extension handles for more leverage or reducing the size for tight spaces, larger rough surface wheels, vacuum grip handles, and floor dollies for moving object while the hand truck is lying flat. Most powered hand trucks take practice and proper training to use. Training is generally short and can be as little as 30 minutes. Below are some pictures of several models of powered hand Pictures taken from www.power-dolly.com Pictures taken from www.ultralift.com and www.powermate.com More Detail
	Risks Addressed:	Exposure to lifting, carrying, and continuously stooped postures can cause low back disorders such as disc herniation or muscle strain, as well as other MSDs. An intervertebral disc herniates when there is an excessive loads on the spine that cause the disc to bulge onto a nearby spinal nerve, resulting in a variety of symptoms. Overexertion while lifting or carrying can result in muscle strains, which is characterized as partial tearing and separation of muscle fibers. Powered hand trucks reduce risks of disc herniation, muscle strains, and other MSDs associated with lifting, carrying, and continuously stooped posture.
	How Risks are Reduced:	Exposure to lifting, carrying, and continuously stooped postures can cause low back disorders such as disc herniation or muscle strain, as well as other MSDs. An intervertebral disc herniates when there is an excessive loads on the spine that cause the disc to bulge onto a nearby spinal nerve, resulting in a variety of symptoms. Overexertion while lifting or carrying can result in muscle strains, which is characterized as partial tearing and separation of muscle fibers. Powered hand trucks reduce risks of disc herniation, muscle strains, and other MSDs associated with lifting, carrying, and continuously stooped posture.
	Quality of Evidence (Risk Reduction):	Independent published studies have found a risk reduction. Manufacturers, vendors, or worksites have reported a risk reduction. Safety and health experts believe there is a risk reduction.
	Quality of Evidence Explanation (Risk Reduction):	Based on current research, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has concluded that there is strong evidence that low back disorders are associated with work-related lifting and forceful movements (Bernard et al. 1997) There have not been independent published studies measuring the effect of powered hand trucks on the incidence of low back disorders. However, studies have shown an association between manual materials handling and low back pain. (Kuiper et al.; 1999) According to the Advanced Manufacturing Institute, a research and development division of Kansas State University and manufacturer of powered hand trucks, the Power Dolly was developed to reduce strain on workers when handling heavy loads. Powermate Manufacturing states that a powered hand truck, “reduces [the] physical effort used to move heavy loads,” and “reduces the chance of personal injury.”
	Effects on Productivity:	Powered hand trucks increase productivity.
	Quality of Evidence (Effects on Productivity):	Manufacturers or vendors have reported an increase in productivity. Safety and health experts believe there is an increase in productivity.
	Quality of Evidence Explanation (Effects on Productivity):	Powered hand trucks increase productivity by decreasing the number of workers necessary to lift materials. Powered hand trucks also increase the speed which heavy objects are moved across a worksite. According to PowerMate’s Website, “items which require 2 or 3 man crews to move conventionally can be done by one man.” The Advanced Manufacturing Institute which produces the Power Dolly states, “This device was developed to reduce workplace injury incurred while moving heavy objects or loads and to increase the productivity of companies who transport these heavy loads on a regular basis.”
	Return on Investment:	To calculate the return on investment (ROI) for your specific application, please visit our Return on Investment Calculator. While a specific ROI example has not been developed for this particular solution, the ROI Calculator provides a useful tool and guidance on how to generate your own on investment analysis.
	Availability:	Power DollyTM For purchasing information, visit http://power-dolly.com/ or contact at 1-785-532-7473 or blanz@amisuccess.com. Innovative Moving Systems, Inc For purchasing information, visit http://www.lectrotruck.com/ or contact at 1-800-619-0625 or president@lectrotruck.com. PowerMate® For purchasing information, visit http://www.powermate.info/index.htm or contact at 1-800-697-6283 or info@powermate.info. Ultra LiftTM For purchasing information, visit www.ultralift.com or contact at 1-800-346-3057 or info@ultralift.com.
	Additional Considerations:	Powered hand trucks are built for a large variety of uses and the purchaser should be careful to select one that is appropriate for their worksite. For example, choose rougher terrain tires for outside work and one that is lightweight if it has to be placed in a work truck. Many of the powered hand trucks available are too large and impractical for smaller jobs.
	Contributors:	Dan Anton, PT, PhD, ATC; Zack Sinner, SPT; and Kevin Wright, SPT – Eastern Washington University
	Hazards Addressed:	General Labor Load, unload and distribute construction materials Lifting and Carrying (Manual materials handling)