

Solution: Portable Storage Utility Cart

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	Description:	Transporting tools between locations on a worksite can be a strenuous task. When portable work benches are not available, tools often are put on the floor, creating a safety hazard for other workers. Portable storage carts, such as those from Rubbermaid®, make transporting tools easier and allow for easy storage. Rubbermaid® carts come in a variety of designs to handle specific tasks. Some are designed for easy transport and others are equipped with more storage options. Most of the industrial grade products from Rubbermaid® have wheels for increase portability. The wheel sizes range from large to small, allowing for use in multiple work locations. The carts have weight capacities that range from 250-500 lbs. Portable storage carts have many design options, including carts specifically made to carry ladders. Other designs have storage options on the sides and tops of the carts to allow easier transport. When there is not a portable work bench or cart available, the floor oftentimes becomes the new work surface. Most portable storage carts designed for construction have a level surface on top that doubles as a work surface. More Detail
	Risks Addressed:	Portable storage carts may help to reduce worker fatigue due to manual materials handling. Manual materials handling may include heavy lifting, and stooped and awkward postures.
	How Risks are Reduced:	On nearly every construction site, tools need to be carried between different work locations. Tools are often heavy or difficult to carry, which increases stress on the worker’s body. After tools are moved to the site where they will be used, they are often placed on the floor, which creates a trip hazard. Work with the tools frequently takes place on the floor, causing awkward stooping of the back. Rolling carts help solve all these problems. Instead of carrying, tools can be transported on a cart, minimizing manual materials handling and stress on the body. Additionally, carts have a level surface at about waist height that doubles as a work surface. An elevated work surface reduces the amount of time a worker spends in stooped and awkward postures while working on the floor. Some cart designs have drawers which help maintain good housekeeping at the work site.
	Quality of Evidence (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):	Manufacturers claim that portable storage cart design, along with specialized handles and casters, reduces muscle strain when transporting heavy loads. The top surface of many specialized carts, which double as work surfaces, are constructed of durable material that prevents cracking and shattering.
	Effects on Productivity:	The use of portable storage carts has little or no impact on productivity.
	Quality of Evidence (Effects on Productivity):	Safety and health experts believe there is an increase in productivity.
	Quality of Evidence Explanation (Effects on Productivity):	Portable storage carts have the capability of decreasing the amount of time needed for transporting tools. By creating a portable work bench, the carts may also decrease the time necessary to walk to and from a permanent work bench. However, these factors do not 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:	Rubbermaid® For purchasing information visit http://www.rcpworksmarter.com or contact 1-800-347-9800 or by e-mail United States Plastics Corp. For purchasing information visit http://www.usplastic.com or contact 1-800-809-4217 Luxor Tool Carts For purchasing information visit http://www.luxortoolcarts.com or contact 1-847-244-1800 or by e-mail H Wilson Company For purchasing information visit http://www.hwilson.com or contact 1-800-245-7224 or info@hwilson.com
	Additional Considerations:	The design of many of portable storage carts makes them versatile in different environments, but due to the wheels on most of the models, a smooth surface is required for safe transportation. Some of the models with larger wheels may be able to navigate rougher surfaces. However, other carts, especially when loaded down with 250-500 lbs, will be unable to roll over uneven or soft surfaces, such a gravel or dirt.
	Contributors:	Dan Anton, PT, PhD, ATC and Cassie Malecha, DPT – Eastern Washington University
	Hazards Addressed:	Masonry, Tile, Cement & Plaster Load, unload and distribute construction materials Lifting and Carrying (Manual Materials Handling)