

Solution: Shoulder Carrying Pad

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	Description:	The shoulder carrying pad is personal protective equipment (PPE) that may help reduce discomfort and protect from cuts and/or bruises when carrying objects on a shoulder. Carrying pads are attached to the shoulder with straps. A shoulder carrying pad provides support that increases comfort and improves stability of the object. Shoulder carrying pads are strapped onto one shoulder to provide semi-rigid support for carrying objects (Figure 1). The shoulder pad is held in place by two large straps and one small strap (Figure 2). It is made from 3 mm thick Neoprene with Velcro® straps that can be adjusted as desired by the construction worker. Figure 1. Carrying pipe with the Ergo Shoulder Harness Figure 2. The Tough Ox Shoulder Pad To put on the harness, the pad is placed on the desired shoulder, then one large strap is wrapped diagonally across the chest towards the opposite hip. The other large strap is wrapped diagonally across the construction worker’s back then attached via Velcro® to the other large strap in front. The small strap is wrapped from the back of the shoulder, under the armpit, and attached via Velcro® on the first large strap in front of the shoulder (Figure 3). Donning the shoulder harness takes less than 30 seconds. Once the harness is secured on the shoulder, objects can be lifted and placed onto the shoulder carrying pad. Objects are then carried to the desired location and put down. Figure 3. Donning the Ergo Shoulder Harness More Detail
	Risks Addressed:	Carrying objects on a shoulder can cause MSDs, cuts, and/or bruises.
	How Risks are Reduced:	When heavy objects are carried directly on the shoulder, there is relatively small surface area to distribute the weight of the object, creating large amounts of pressure on the shoulder that may lead to MSDs. Shoulder carrying pads act as a semi-rigid pad that provides cushion and increases the carrying surface area to evenly distribute the weight of the object on the shoulder. Because weight is more evenly distributed on the shoulder, less work is required to carry an object. Therefore, fatigue related MSDs may be reduced when using shoulder carrying pads. In addition, carrying an object with evenly distributed weight decreases the chance of dropping it and causing injury. Shoulder carrying pads also protect the construction worker from direct contact with rough, jagged, or otherwise dangerous materials, which decreases the risk for cuts or bruises.
	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):	Safety and health experts believe that increasing the carrying surface area and adding cushion will lessen the strain on the shoulder and neck and increase stability of the object, thus decreasing risks of developing MSDs. The manufacturer states the Ergo Shoulder Harness, “… improve(s) the workplace and the safety of your workers,” as well as provides comfort and protection from rough, jagged, or otherwise dangerous materials.
	Effects on Productivity:	Shoulder carrying pads may increase productivity on the worksite.
	Quality of Evidence (Effects on Productivity):	Manufacturers or vendors have reported an increase in productivity.
	Quality of Evidence Explanation (Effects on Productivity):	According to the manufacturer, the Ergo Shoulder Harness can reduce fatigue, discomfort, and/or injury, therefore improving productivity. Ox-Men Tool Co. stated, “[shoulder carrying pads result in]…increased production by physically reducing work related injuries or body stress!"
	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:	Nomic Designs-Pure Comfort©. The Ergo Shoulder For more information visit http://www.nomicdesigns.com/ or call 503-453-9842 / 503-570-7777 or markw@nomicdesigns.com Ox-Men Tool Co. The Shoulder Pad. For more information visit http://.www.oxmentoolco.com/The_Shoulder_Pad.php or call 612-805-3027 or les@oxmentoolco.com
	Contributors:	Dan Anton, PT, PhD, ATC and Kevin Wright, SPT – Eastern Washington University
	Hazards Addressed:	Reinforced Concrete Unload, store, move and place rebar Cuts and punctures from tools or materials Lifting and Carrying (Manual Materials Handling)