Use a motorized screed (also called a vibratory screed). You can work standing upright, and operating the screed takes much less effort than hand screeding.

This type of screed eliminates both screeding in a stooped position and the need for repeated arm and shoulder movements.

The photo on the left shows the problem, while the photo on the right illustrates the solution.

             

The motorized screed consists of a blade or plow that floats on the concrete, one or two gasoline motors that vibrate the blade, metal support tubing, and handles for the operator. 

• Safety and health experts believe there is a risk reduction.

Biomechanical research shows that high compression forces occur in the spine while stooping, and that sustained or repeated flexion of the spine may decrease the stability of the lower back and increase the risk of fatigue, leaving the back more vulnerable to injury.

While there is considerable research shows that working in stooped, kneeling and squatting postures causes low back disorders, the research mostly focuses on those postures in combination with other risk factors such as bending or twisting or heavy loads. The literature combining stooped, squatting or kneeling postures with load handling shows rapid and severe spinal damage. There is much less in the literature regarding the health effects of these postures in an unloaded situation - that is, stooping without lifting.

However, safety and health experts believe that it is important to avoid prolonged and repeat forward bending of the back (stooping) even in the absence of the other risk factors for low back disorders.

Screeding with motorized equipment can be faster than hand screeding. Many contractors report improvements in productivity. The vibration of the blade improves the consolidation of the concrete and reduces time spent "bull floating" the surface.

There are some drawbacks. Although you can work around electrical or plumbing stubs, some hand screeding may still be necessary. Also, it can be difficult to move the screed to and from the work location. A single-engine screed weighs around 50 lbs., and can be awkward to lift and carry. Some screeds have a quick-release system to remove the plow from the frame, which makes carrying easier.

Vibration can also be a problem. It is important to protect workers from hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), a nerve disorder that can become disabling. NIOSH measured vibration levels on three types of motorized screeds. Two had the gasoline engine placed at the bottom of the frame and above the plow. One screed had the engine placed on a single shaft, and the operator held the shaft below the engine. Vibration levels for the two types with the engine at the bottom were below the current recommended guidelines to prevent HAVS. The third screed, which was also older and poorly maintained, gave off much higher vibration that could exceed current HAVS guidelines. Higher vibration levels are expected when the engine is connected to the frame or shaft that the operator must grip. When buying a motorized screed, ask about vibration levels and test drive the screed.

• Masonry, Tile, Cement & Plaster
  • Chip, scrape and grind surfaces, or joints
    • Kneeling & Squatting
  • Finish concrete
    • Kneeling & Squatting
    • Stooped postures
  • Spread, level, and smooth concrete, mortar, or terrazzo mixtures
    • Kneeling & Squatting
    • Stooped postures
    • Stressful hand & wrist activity

Albers, James T., and Estill, Cheryl F.  Simple Solutions: Ergonomics for Construction Workers.  DHHS (NIOSH) Publication Number 2007-122.  March 2007.  http://www.cdc.gov/niosh.  To view the Table of Contents for the Simple Solutions Document, please visit:  http://www.cpwr.com/simple.html.  Please send requests for copies of the publication to cdcinfo@cdc.gov, referencing document #2007-122.