Construction Solutions - Skid Plates to Move Concrete-Filled Hoses



Solution: Skid Plates to Move Concrete-Filled Hoses
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	Description:	Charged concrete hoses are heavy and pulling them takes a lot of strength. The latches on a hose may snag on rebar. Workers must sometimes bend down and lift the hose to free it. Pulling, lifting, and moving sections of hose can force your body into awkward positions and put strain on your lower back and knees. If you have to use jerking motions or twist your body while doing this work, there is even more strain on your back. Handling concrete hoses, especially for long periods of time, may cause fatigue, back pain, and even serious muscle or joint injuries. More Detail Skid plates may be useful when concrete boom pumps and other alternative ways of moving the concrete cannot be used. Skid plates are two-foot diameter concave metal disks that are placed under the hose couplings. They have a cradle to hold the hose and handles for carrying. They decrease the friction with the rebar matting underneath and make the hose easier to pull. They also prevent the latches on the hose from catching on the rebar. Less Detail
	Risks Addressed:	Musculoskeletal injuries and diseases arising from lifting and pulling heavy concrete hoses.
	How Risks are Reduced:	Laborers usually move concrete-flled hoses across rebar matting by pulling on ropes attached to the hose, or by using long metal hooked rods. Skid plates slide more easily across the rebar matting, reducing the friction. Pulling is easier. Also, hose couplings do not catch on the rebar matting. This decreases the need for laborers to jerk the hose or bend over to free it. From four to six skid plates should be used near the pour end of the hose. They are most effective when the hose is secured to each plate. You can fasten the hose to a plate with rebar tying wire or rubber bungee cords. Both can quickly be removed when necessary. Using unsecured skid plates may lead to more bending, awkward positions, and back strain. Quality of Evidence Manufacturers, vendors, or worksites have reported a risk reduction. Reduced lifting of the hose and reduced force required to pull the concrete hose across rebar pads will reduce risk factors for injury. Evidence of reduced risk factors is clear.
	Effects on Productivity:	Workers say that skid plates make pulling hoses easier. At least one study has found that using skid plates secured to the hose can reduce stress to the low back that otherwise would increase the chance of developing a serious injury. Use of secured skid plates does not result in loss of productivity. It takes only moments to place skid plates under hoses and secure them. If workers are less fatigued from pulling heavy hoses, productivity may actually increase. There are a few drawbacks. For example, it is still possible for skid plates to catch on Nelson studs (4” tall steel rods welded to the subfooring to reinforce the concrete). Skid plates reduce the physical stress of pulling a hose, but they don’t get rid of it. The plates should be used only when the charged hose cannot be moved with a boom, crane, or motorized equipment like the Hosehog™ (www.somero.com). Quality of Evidence Manufacturers or vendors have reported an increase in productivity. Reducing the physical effort associated with a task typically increases productivity. Reduced fatigue allows the pace of work to continue for longer periods and reduces necessary rest periods.
	Return on Investment:	No specific calculation ROI information exists for this particular solution, however, there are some general approaches that might be useful for a “Return On Investment” analysis. For a general discussion of these approaches, visit our “Return on Investment Calculation” page.
	Availability:	Approximate Cost Prices run about $200-300 per plate. Where To Get It Hose Placing Disk, Construction Forms Inc., Port Washington, WI, www.conforms.com Equipment like that described here may be available from local retailers or rental companies.
	Additional Considerations:
	Sources:	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 this document to cdcinfo@cdc.gov, referencing document number 2007-122.