

Solution: Kneeling Creepers

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	Description:	Many construction tasks require frequent kneeling, squatting, or stooping because the work is close to the foor. Kneeling on a hard surface puts a lot of direct pressure on your knee, while squatting puts stress on the tendons, ligaments, and cartilage of the knee joint. Working in either position often or for long periods of time can lead to knee problems, including knee osteoarthritis. If you work in a stooped position, there is stress on your lower back as well as your knees, possibly leading to back pain and even a serious back injury. The photo on the left shows the problem, while the photo on the right illustrates the solution. There are several types of wheeled kneelers available, such as the Racatac™ and MasterRac™. These models have removable seats and cushioned knee supports. They are very low and have 2-3 inch casters. The MasterRac™ knee supports are only 3/4 inch above the foor. The cushioned knee supports reduce the pressure on your knees, just as ordinary knee pads do. These models are available with an adjustable cushioned chest support (optional on the Racatac™, but standard on the MasterRac™). It is useful when doing prolonged foor-level jobs like tile setting and concrete patching. It helps support your weight, reducing back strain and some of the pressure on your knees. More Detail
	Risks Addressed:	When the job requires kneeling or squatting to work at foor level, these devices will reduce the stress to your knees, ankles, and lower back. These devices also can reduce stooping, since they make kneeling at floor level more comfortable
	How Risks are Reduced:	Wheeled kneelers provide support when work must be done in awkward and stressful positions. They reduce stress on the knees and lower back, and can help prevent serious muscle and joint problems.
	Quality of Evidence (Risk Reduction):	Safety and health experts believe there is a risk reduction.
	Quality of Evidence Explanation (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 importnat to avoid prolonged and repeat forward bending of the back (stooping) even in the absence of the other risk factors for low back disorders.
	Effects on Productivity:	Since floor level work can be done with less discomfort and pain, productivity may increase. Wheeled kneelers also allow workers to move around more easily and quickly. Many models also have an area where tools can be conveniently placed. Both factors may 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):	No actual measurements of productivity improvements are available. This improvement is expected based on the experience and judgement of medical and safety professionals reviewing this solution page.
	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:	Racatac Products Inc. For purchasing information, visit http://www.racatac.com/ or contact at racatac@bellsouth.net or 1-877-722-2822
	Hazards Addressed:	Reinforced Concrete Cut or bend rebar Kneeling & Squatting Finish concrete Kneeling & Squatting Perform surface grinding or cutting Kneeling & Squatting
	Sources:	Albers, James T., and Estill, Cheryl F. Simple Solutions: Ergonomics for Construction Workers. DHHS (NIOSH) Publications. 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 publication to cdcinfo@cdc.gov, referencing document number 2007-122.