

Solution: Rubberized Handle Trowels

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	Description:	A trowel is a tool used for smoothing poured concrete. Trowels are also used to spread additional coatings onto finished concrete, such as sealants and adhesives. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes which make them convenient for small spaces that are not easily reached by larger trowel devices. The trowel has two main parts: the blade and the handle. The handle is an important part, as this is where the operator holds the tool. Handles are made from many different types of materials, including wood, hard plastic, and rubber. Trowels with rubberized handles may help to decrease stress on the operator’s hands. Many variables should be considered when choosing a hand tool, such as shape of handle, length of grip, and grip surface. An optimal grip surface is made of non-slip, semi-pliable material. Trowels with rubber handles decrease stress on the hand and wrist while maintaining the best grip possible. More Detail
	Risks Addressed:	Using a rubber handled trowel decreases stressful hand and wrist activity.
	How Risks are Reduced:	Using a rubber handled trowel reduces the risk of hand and wrist injuries by decreasing the amount of contact stress felt experienced by the worker. Trowel use is a repetitive activity, and rubber handled trowels are designed to reduce the chance of injury.
	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):	Independent published studies support using soft, pliable material for a grip surface. Conversely, the surface should not be too soft, as it requires increased grip strength. Soft material increases the contact area and decreased the contact stress of the hands. Soft handles also decrease the amount of grip force needed. Manufacturers claim that soft grip handles are more comfortable for users. Since trowelling is not a precision task, the handle can be larger than those for precision tasks and accommodate the soft handle. Health and safety experts also believe there is a risk reduction when using rubber handled trowels.
	Effects on Productivity:	Rubber handled trowels have little or no effect on productivity.
	Quality of Evidence (Effects on Productivity):	Manufacturers or vendors have reported an increase in productivity.
	Quality of Evidence Explanation (Effects on Productivity):	Manufacturers report that rubber handled trowels may increase comfort and decrease stress on the hand, but this has not been shown to significantly increase productivity.
	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:	Marshalltown Company www.marshalltown.com
	Contributors:	Dan Anton, PT, PhD, ATC and Cassie Malecha, DPT – Eastern Washington University