

Solution: Adjustable Height Work Bench

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	Description:	Construction workers can use adjustable height work benches to place materials at an optimal height. Adjustable work bench height is modified by telescoping legs, a hand crank, or motorized mechanism. It is best to buy a bench that is easy to change height. Otherwise, workers may not modify the work height often enough to keep work at the optimum height Adjustable height work benches or platforms allows construction workers to stoop less because the materials and work surface are both kept at an optimal height. The optimal height for working on items is approximately 1 to 3 inches below the height of the elbow. Work at an optimal height has both physiological and productivity benefits. More Detail
	Risks Addressed:	Musculoskeletal disorders due to stooped postures, manual materials handling, overhead work, and kneeling/squatting.
	How Risks are Reduced:	There are several ways that adjustable height work benches reduce the risk of developing painful conditions in the muscles and joints. Workers are able to keep work at an optimal height, which is slightly below elbow level when standing. In general, work should be kept between knee and shoulder height, especially for manual material handling. Working at waist level reduces fatigue and risk of back problems associated with bending. Use of an adjustable height work bench may also encourage workers to perform assembly tasks at a safer height, possibly reducing the need for awkward overhead work postures.
	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):	Research has shown that workers who spend more time working in a stooped posture or other awkward back postures are at a higher risk for developing low back problems. Studies have reported a decrease in low back pain and stress among those working with materials kept at or near waist height. Manufacturers also report that the ability to set the work bench at any height allows workers to arrange materials between knee and shoulder height. Materials do not have to be moved as frequently, so there is less manual material handling of supplies and scaffolding parts. Research has shown that reduced manual materials handling decreases low back pain. Working at waist height has also been shown to reduce repetitive motions of the hand and wrist. Repetitive motion is a risk factor for musculoskeletal disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis. There have not been independent published studies specifically evaluating the effect of adjustable height work benches on musculoskeletal disorder outcomes. Regardless, health and safety experts, such as ergonomists, encourage the use of adjustable workstations to accomodate for workers of different heights.
	Effects on Productivity:	Productivity may indirectly be improved by using adjustable height work benches. Work at an optimal height reduces worker fatigue which could reduce the risk for developing musculoskeletal disorders.
	Quality of Evidence (Effects on Productivity):	Safety and health experts believe there is an increase in productivity.
	Quality of Evidence Explanation (Effects on Productivity):	Health and safety experts believe reducing the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders may lead to increased productivity because: 1) worker can work for longer periods with fewer breaks and less fatigue, and 2) there may be a reduction in lost time injuries, which reduces the times necessary for training of substitute workers.
	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:	Pucel Enterprises For purchasing information, visit http://www.pucelenterprises.com/ or contact at 1-800-336-4986 or sales@PucelEnterprises.com Red Dragon Industrial Work Benches For purchasing information, visit http://www.flameengineering.com/Benches_Standard.html or contact at 1-888-388-6724 or flame@flameengineering.com
	Additional Considerations:	An inexpensive method of raising work height is to work off of a stack of pallets. Along with adjustable height work benches, jigs, clamps, and vices should be used to maximize the benefit of working in an optimal posture.
	Contributors:	Dan Anton, PT, PhD, ATC and Zack Sinner, SPT – Eastern Washington University
	Hazards Addressed:	Residential Construction Lay block or brick Overhead work