

Solution: Mast Climbing Work Platform

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	Risks Addressed:	Performing tasks with the hands at or above shoulder height can cause musculoskeletal disorders of the: shoulders, neck and back such as shoulder tendonitis, tension neck syndrome and also low back pain, respectively. Shoulder tendonitis is the inflammation of the rotator cuff, which is linked to four muscles in the shoulder. Lifting the arms cause the front part of the shoulder bones to rub on the rotator cuff. Tension neck syndrome occurs when the shoulder muscles are contracted for long durations, this overloads the shoulder-neck muscle fibers. Tilting forward or backward carrying weight overhead can stress the lower lumbar and result in low back pain. A mast climber, adjusted to an appropriate height will keep the work between the knee and shoulder height and reduce the time spent in overhead or awkward postures. Also, unlike traditional scaffolding, the work materials do not need to be moved each time the work platform is raised, or workers move to a higher level, thereby reducing the risk of developing low back pain from lifting and carrying heavy materials.
	How Risks are Reduced:	Compared to traditional scaffolding or manual crank tower scaffolding, the mast-climbing scaffold allows the work platform to be easily raised or lowered, keeping work between knee and shoulder height. A materials platform can be established to allow easy handling of materials. The platform may be moved vertically with the work. Unlike with traditional scaffolding, the work materials do not need to be moved each time the work platform is raised. This reduces the risk of developing work-related low back pain by decreasing heavy lifting and manual material handling at work.
	Quality of Evidence (Risk Reduction):	Independent published studies have found a 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 lumbar stress among those working with materials kept at or near waist height. Manufacturers also report that the ability to set the scaffold to any height allows workers to arrange their materials to be 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. There have not been independent published studies measuring the effect of using mast climbing work platforms on reducing musculoskeletal disorders. Regardless, health and safety experts believe that worksites that use mast climbing work platforms may have fewer incidents of musculoskeletal disorders among their workers due to reduced exposure to known risk factors.
	Effects on Productivity:	Mast climbers may effect productivity due to: reduced injuries, shortened production time, reduced labor costs, and a reduced need for heavy equipment.
	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):	Based on a 2002 article in Masonry Magazine, there is evidence that using mast climbers can reduce injuries, shorten production time, and cut labor costs by 30 percent or more. The average set up time for mast climbing work platforms is about 30 percent faster than traditional scaffolding. The platform can be easily lowered to the ground for restocking, thus reducing or eliminating the cost of using heavy equipment to delivery materials to high levels of scaffolding. Some manufacturers report that two laborers can do the work of five for the same job size. Health and safety experts believe reducing the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders may lead to increased productivity because: 1) individuals can work for longer periods with fewer breaks and less fatigue, and 2) there may be a reduction in lost time injuries.
	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:	Fraco For purchasing information visit http://www.fraco.com/en/ or contact Fraco at 1-450-658-0094 or locate a distributor at http://www.fraco.com/en/distributors.html?ivPp=2 Dunlop Mastclimbers For purchasing information visit http://www.dunlopmastclimbers.com/ or contact Dunlop Mastclimbers at 1-800-995-1020 Hydro Mobile For purchasing information visit http://www.hydro-mobile.com/ or contact Hydro Mobile at 1-888-484-9376 or email Hydek For purchasing information visit http://www.hydek.com/ or contact Hydek at 1-404-523-0708
	Additional Considerations:	It is important to follow the manufacturer guidelines and standard safety procedures when using mast climbing work platforms. Here are some specific points to consider: User modifications of platforms to fit structures should be evaluated by a professional engineer. Several of the reported fatalities associated with mast scaffolds involved modifications performed on site. The platform must be properly loaded to maintain balance and must not exceed the length allowed by the manufacturer. Guard rails must be removed to load the platform therefore safety harnesses are required at those times. The mast must be tied to the structure at intervals established by the manufacturer (typically at 20 foot intervals). The anchor point must be sufficiently strong in tension and compression to meet requirements (usually 3,000 pounds). Tie-in requirements may increase if heavy wind loads are anticipated. Workers must be trained on the erection and use of the scaffold and a competent person designated
	Contributors:	Dan Anton, PT, PhD, ATC and Alysha Meyers, PhD – University of Iowa
	Hazards Addressed:	Roofing Inspect and use scaffolds and ladders Overhead work Install flashing, rain gutters and downspouts Overhead work
	Sources:	Various