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.  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.  An adjustable tower scaffold, 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. 

There are several ways that adjustable height scaffolding reduces the risk of developing painful conditions in the muscles and joints.

First, compared to traditional scaffolding, the adjustable scaffold allows the work platform to be easily raised or lowered, keeping work between knee and shoulder height.  A materials platform can be established at waist height. Working at waist level reduces bricklayer fatigue, and reduces the risk of back and shoulder problems associated with bending at low courses and reaching for courses above the chest.

Second, the platform may be moved vertically with the work, because 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, and reduces the risk of injury from falling objects.

Third, unlike frame scaffolding, which requires constant building above the work area, adjustable tower scaffolding is assembled on the ground.  This eliminates overhead work and awkward postures and reduces the risk of being struck by falling objects.

Fourth, adjustable tower scaffolding is set up once and positioned with a forklift or crane, depending on wall configurations.  There is no need for laborers to repeatedly build or tear down frames or manually handle planks. Lastly, adjustable scaffolds have integral guardrails, toe boards, braking systems, and fall arrest systems to ensure jobsite safety.

• Manufacturers, vendors, or worksites have reported a risk reduction.
• Safety and health experts believe there is a 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 scaffold to 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.

Adjustable tower scaffolding significantly increases worker productivity when compared to traditional tubular frame scaffolding.  Gains in productivity result from decreased installation and dismantling time and improved mason productivity.  The platform can be easily lowered to the ground for restocking, thus reducing or eliminating the cost of using heavy equipment to deliver materials to high levels of scaffolding.

• Independent published studies have found an increase in productivity.
• Manufacturers or vendors have reported an increase in productivity.

An independent study conducted by the University of Texas showed that tower scaffolding increased mason productivity by more than 20%. Contractors agree, and some report 20-35% in productivity gains, depending on the type of wall.

Health and safety experts believe reducing the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders may lead to increased productivity because: 1) workers can use work for longer periods with less breaks and less fatigue, and 2) there may be a reduction in lost time injuries.

BETCO Scaffolds
For purchasing information visit http://www.ezscaffold.com/ or contact BETCO Scaffolds at 1-800-847-5722 or betco@scaffold.com

EZ Scaffold
For purchasing information visit http://www.ezscaffold.com/ or contact EZ Scaffold at 1-800-699-6831 or customerservice@ezscaffold.com

Non-Stop Scaffolding
For purchasing information visit http://www.nonstopscaf.com/index.php or contact Non-Stop Scaffolding at 1-800-845-0845 or email

Some contractors have reported more sprained wrists among laborers when using adjustable scaffolding compared to mast climbing scaffolding or traditional tubular scaffolding.  Adjustable scaffolding with foot operated pump jacks may be better.

Dan Anton, PT, PhD, ATC – Eastern Washington University, and Alysha Meyers, PhD – University of Iowa

• Structural Steel
  • Build or erect false work
    • Overhead work
  • Erect and dismantle scaffolds
    • Lifting and Carrying (Manual Materials Handling)
    • Overhead work