ERGONOMICS ANALYSIS GENERAL

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Justin Mitchell
6 years ago
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Job/Task: Skin Patching Using 1 Ton Flatbed Truck ERGONOMICS ALYSIS GENERAL Step 1 PROVIDE BACKGROUND Date: August 11, 2009 Analyzed by: Example Area/Dept/Location: Project Number: 2 Employee Names

Sweep Street Using Tymco Vacuum Sweeper Gets the dirt and debris out of the holes so it doesn t need to be done manually.

1 Job/Task: Skin Patching Using 1 Ton Flatbed Truck ERGONOMICS ALYSIS GENERAL Step 1 PROVIDE BACKGROUND Date: August 11, 2009 Analyzed by: Example Area/Dept/Location: Project Number: 2 Employee Names (optional): Contacts: : Department: Public Works Job Title: Streets Department Step 2 CURRENT MAJOR STEPS Step 3 ERGONOMICS ISSUES Step 4 SOLUTIONS 1. Sweep Street Using Tymco Vacuum Sweeper Gets the dirt and debris out of the holes so it doesn t need to be done manually. 2: Apply Tack Coat Tack coat is liquid emulsion (water soluble) which helps adhere the asphalt to the road. Slightly awkward posture - side to side motion Apparatus built by the City of Example is ideal for this type of application. It is lightweight and easy to apply with spray system. This is much more ergonomic that applying the emulsion manually.

Hoses present possible trip/fall hazard Ensure hoses are secured when sprayer is not in use 4: Raise Bed of Flatbed

2 3: Replace Tack Coat Sprayer on Custom Trailer Custom trailer with 55 gal. drum of material. Hose and 6 foot rod (with spray nozzle) used to dispense material onto pavement. Hoses present possible trip/fall hazard Ensure hoses are secured when sprayer is not in use 4: Raise Bed of Flatbed Truck & Then Lower Raising the bed of the truck moves the asphalt closer to the edge to make it easier for employees to shovel. Asphalt release agent is applied to tailgate so it doesn t stick.

5: Shovel Asphalt Mix From Lowered Truck Bed and Disperse on Road Truck bed 36 inches from ground when level Awkward Posture Excessive Force Train on good body posture and mechanics

The employee shown here is about 5 5 tall. Note the angle of the shovel and how high the elbow is raised to get a shovel full of asphalt.

3 5: Shovel Asphalt Mix From Lowered Truck Bed and Disperse on Road Truck bed 36 inches from ground when level Awkward Posture Excessive Force Train on good body posture and mechanics Consider different types of shovels (perhaps one with a handle or lighter) Continue to do job rotation every min. The employee in this photo is approximately 6 2 tall. The employee shown here is about 5 5 tall. Note the angle of the shovel and how high the elbow is raised to get a shovel full of asphalt. Awkward Posture Consider a method or tool that would lower the material. Perhaps an asphalt trailer or an adjustable platform that attaches to the truck. An even better solution would be to use the City s Hot Box, which has an adjustable drop box.

6. Shovel Asphalt From Slightly Raised Truck Truck bed 30 inches from ground when slightly raised.

is flat. Consider having it raised when at all possible. 7.

4 6. Shovel Asphalt From Slightly Raised Truck Truck bed 30 inches from ground when slightly raised. Awkward Posture Excessive Force Easier to shovel when bed in slightly raised position, but this isn t always possible. Note angle of shovel and position of employee s arms are much better compared to when the truck bed is flat. Consider having it raised when at all possible. 7. Use Rake to Smooth Rake asphalt Awkward posture Continue to do job rotation every min. Train on good body posture and mechanics 8. Use Vibromax Roller to Compact and Smooth Asphalt None Continue with job rotation.

5 9. Ensure Proper Employee Hydration The roller at the City of Example contains a cooler of water. It is essential for employees to stay hydrated on hot days, and having it on the back of the roller makes it easier and more accessible to employees. Best practice. Step 5 FOLLOW UP The City of Example has purchased a new hot box, which has several ergonomic features in the design. A pothole filling JHA was already completed earlier in the year using this new hot box. The City uses the hot box as a primary source for doing pothole filling and skin patching. However, there are times (like in the spring) when the City is so busy that the traditional method (1 ton flatbed truck) for filling potholes and skin patching must be used. This 1 ton truck does not have the ergonomic features (such as the adjustable drop box) that the new hot box has, but is still appropriate for this type of work. Employees also commented that using the new hot box is so much easier and at a much better working height for shoveling the asphalt. Also, because constant temperature is maintained, the consistency of the asphalt is better for shoveling and raking. After reviewing the job tasks and video footage, there are few improvements that can be made to make this job safer. Use the new hot box method whenever possible. If this isn t possible, then ensure that the crews are rotated so that the same crew isn t always using the 1 ton truck. Always consider new tools that are available to make shoveling and raking easier on employees. Perhaps more ergonomic shovels with handles, or tools which are lighter in weight. Have the truck bed raised slightly whenever possible. This allows for better working height and better shoveling angles, especially for shorter employees. Consider a method or tool to keep the asphalt on a lower surface. Perhaps a trailer or an adjustable platform that attaches to the truck itself. Continue to train new and existing employees on proper body mechanics. Continue to implement job rotation every minutes. If the city should have any further questions regarding this Job Safety Analysis, please do not hesitate to contact me.

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