Handling Of Heavy Loads Research Articles

Development of a simplified test for the determination of the Bond Ball Mill Work Index using a modified Hardgrove test

Grinding ores in conventional ball mills demands high energy consumption, resulting in relatively high operating costs in a typical mineral processing industrial plant. Whether in the initial stages of a mining project or during its operation, conducting tests to determine the processing circuit’s energy consumption throughout the life of mine is necessary in order to reduce such high operating costs. Traditional tests used to determine the energy consumption in grinding, like the Bond Ball Mill test, are relatively time-consuming and require significant amounts of sample, e.g., 8–10 kg, which is not always available in the initial stages of a mineral project or geometallurgical studies. Several authors have developed simplified tests to predict ball mill’s energy consumption, typically using the Bond Ball Mill Work Index (BBMWI) as a reference. One option requiring less mass is the Hardgrove mill, traditionally used in the laboratory to determine the energy required to grind coal in roller mills. This test requires 50 g of sample, and the result is based on the amount of fines at the end of grinding to a fixed time. The present study used a modified Hardgrove test to predict the BBMWI. This test involves the measurement of the torque, uses a fixed sample volume with different particle feed sizes from the Hardgrove standard, and determines the specific energy related to the percentage of product passing through the closing size screen of the Bond test, defined as the size specific energy. The results indicated that for a set of 13 samples with the 150 µm closing screen, the average error associated with the predicted BBMWI is within ±2.3%. Further results indicate an error of ±3.1% for 20 samples with the 106 µm closing screen. The correlations presented here are proposed to be validated and/or adjusted for different ores and mines. The proposed test is thus suitable for geometallurgical studies and other applications where relatively small samples are available. In addition, this is a low-cost test, has a quick turn-around time, it is simple to conduct and does not require the handling of heavy loads by operators.

Prevalence and Pattern of Musculoskeletal Disorder in Panteka Mechanic Village, Kaduna

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are illnesses that make working people disabled and generate significant economic loss worldwide. Automobile mechanics are at risk of injury at the onset of MSDs due to repetitive tasks, uncomfortable posture, and heavy lifting of objects. The frequency and pattern of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among auto mechanics in Panteka Village, Kaduna State, are investigated in this study. Using a version of the standard Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnaire, a quatitative method was used to gather data on the prevalence pattern of musculoskeletal illnesses at Panteka Village. To analyze the data obtained, purposive sampling method was employed. The study found that there was a high prevalence of MSDs among auto mechanics in Panteka village, with rates of 90% (Neck), 92.3% (shoulder), 56.4% (knee) and over 70% prevalence of MSD for lower and upper back. The results of relationship between age of respondents, years spent as a mechanic and prevalence of the musculoskeletal disorders showed no significant relationship. However, there was a significant relationship between the respondent's section of mechanic activities ie the nature of their job and MSD. These are primarily the result of poor ergonomics and insufficient rest periods at their workshop. Also, manual handling of heavy loads, repetitive tasks and force exertion were the identified factors. Ergonomic and MSD awareness among workers should be increased through training. In addition, govermnents should investigate more in other to reduce or eliminate risk factors leading to musculoskeletal disorders. Members of the Panteka village committee can use the research's findings to enhance the working environment for mechanics. Therefore, Mechanics will need to be educated more on risk factors associated with MSDs.

Prevention of musculoskeletal disorders among animal research technicians: Understanding difficulties and their determinants through a work activity analysis

This study aimed at understanding animal research technicians (ART) work activity to identify difficulties encountered by workers and their determinants which may increase musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) risks. The methods for the work activity analysis combined interviews, observations, events and operations chronicles as well as inclinometry. From the work activity analysis of the three main tasks (changing mouse cages, preparation of water bottles and unloading dirty material), difficulties such as awkward postures, heavy load handling, repetitiveness, high workload, supplementary tasks, interruptions and difficult social interactions emerged. The work activity analysis further allowed the identification of determinants of these difficulties. Some are related to the physical, organizational or social work environment, and others to the interdependence between these determinants. Such an improved understanding of ART work activity will lead to solutions best suited for MSDs prevention in this understudied setting.

Virtual Reality Overhead Crane Simulator

In recent decades, government investments in occupational safety and health programs, as well as the development and training of workers’ skills have taken place. Furthermore, the demand for training methods tailored to the needs of workers led the researchers to question the effectiveness of conventional training methods and investigate new ones. Innovative training systems such as virtual reality-based ones allow certain constraints to be overcome and researchers to investigate the psychophysiological factors and environmental settings that can influence workers’ performances. Virtual reality-based training systems are used in various fields. Heavy load handling is predominant in different industrial sectors, and false use of cranes can cause serious accidents with fatal consequences. After a preliminary investigation of the most hazardous scenarios in Italy, a Virtual Reality Overhead Crane Simulator has been built. In previous research, the simulator was used to investigate different typologies of noise (low frequency, high frequency and modulated) on the overhead crane operators’ performance and physiological responses. The preliminary results of this investigation revealed that high-frequency noise influences more than others the errors of oblique manoeuvres and excessive oscillation. The same results, although not conclusive, showed that modulated noise seems to highly affect the variations of the GSR and the LF/HF ratio of heart rate. This paper aims to illustrate the workflow used to build up the Virtual Reality Overhead Crane Simulator from the 3d modelling to the construction of the virtual scenario and the interacting programming used to investigate some critical aspects of the handling of heavy loads in industrial environments highlighting the criticalities found during the studies carried until now and the future approaches

Manual handling of heavy loads and low back pain among different occupational groups: results of the 2018 BIBB/BAuA employment survey

BackgroundIn Germany and other European countries, many occupations still involve manual handling of loads (MHL), an activity that puts the musculoskeletal system at risk of low back pain (LBP). This study aims to describe the current prevalence of MHL in different occupational groups stratified by gender in Germany, the association between MHL and LBP and the adjusted prevalence of LBP in different respond-categories of MHL.MethodsData was collected in telephone interviews conducted as part of the 2018 BIBB/BAuA Employment Survey, which covers work-related topics like working conditions, education, health status and job satisfaction. The analyses were limited to full-time workers (> 35 h/week) aged between 15 and 67. The frequency of MHL was analysed descriptively. BLOSSFELD classification was used to group the participants in occupational categories. The analysis of the association between MHL and the prevalence of LBP over the last 12 months was based on robust log-linear Poisson regression that results in prevalence ratios (PR). The main regression model was adjusted for gender, age, working hours, and working conditions. Adjusted estimates for the prevalence of LBP were calculated based on regression analysis.ResultsThe sample consists of n = 14,331 participants (men: n = 8828, 61.6%; women: n = 5503, 38.4%; median age 49 years). Of these, 52.8% say they were exposed to MHL at work. MHL is most common in agricultural occupations, skilled and unskilled occupations. In the regression model, participants who said they were “often” exposed to MHL reported more frequently LBP than those participants who said they were “never” exposed to MHL. The PR as estimate for the association is 1.41 (95%CI [1.32; 1.49]). Postestimation of the prevalence of LBP began with 47.3% (95%CI [43.8%; 51.1%]) for participants who said they were “never” exposed to MHL and rose to 66.5% (95%CI [62.4%; 71.0%]) for participants who indicated they were “often” exposed to MHL.ConclusionsThe 2018 BIBB/BAuA Employment Survey emphasizes that MHL is still common in the German workforce and shows a significant association to LBP. Prevention policies for avoiding MHL remain vital.

A study on the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among ageing workforce of Indian construction industry

Ageing work force is one of the leading causes behind the reduction in the rate of growth of the labour force in construction industries. Construction industry is a major source of employment worldwide after agriculture, and generally the primary one in urban areas. Manual material handling in construction industries causes musculoskeletal disorders affecting both upper and lower extremities of the body. Studies on lower limb problems due to dynamic work like handling of heavy loads in construction industries are scanty. To analyze the level of exertion, ergonomics risk factors and the prevalence of work-related lower limb disorders among the young and elderly construction workforce. 20 male construction workers in the age group of i) 20 to 30 years (golden age group); ii) 50 years and above were selected from a local construction site in Mumbai. Demographic data like age, height, weight, BMI, body fat, waist hip ratio and risk assessment by questionnaires study comprising QEC, NMQ, VAS, and LEFS were collected. Compared to the golden age group, the elderly subjects were found to feel uncomfortable to their lower back, knee and calf due to the immoderate forces and motions applied to their lower limbs during their daily work. Muscle pliability and proper coordination diminishes with age and it is appearing to be the most probable reason behind the pain experienced in their lower limbs might be due to improper techniques and postures. For elderly workers, age related limitations become an additional factor to maintain their normal work life.

A proposal of an assembly workstation for car panel fitting aided by an augmented reality device

In the automotive sector, panel fitting operations represent a delicate phase of the assembly process, during which car bodywork components are manually aligned attempting to comply with spacing tolerances. Digital technologies currently promoted by the Industry 4.0 approach, such as collaborative robots and augmented reality (AR), could assist workers for reducing execution times of this “trial and error” procedure. On the one hand, human-robot collaboration (HRC) can enhance assembly process efficiency, by combining human dexterity and cognitive capabilities with robot repetitiveness and support in heavy load handling; on the other, AR can provide interactive instructions to guide workers during the process. In this regard, the present paper is focused on the development of a novel assembly workstation using HRC and AR to support workers during car panel fitting operations. The system is based on the implementation of an algorithm able to convert the values on panel spacing, which are measured by laser gauge positioned on the collaborative robot, in the instructions for the worker to correctly carry out the panel fitting operation. The paper finally presents the application of the system to a real assembly example.

Lifetime Duration of Exposure to Biomechanical Factors at Work as a Mediator of the Relationship Between Socioeconomic Position and Walking Speed.

The study aimed to assess the proportion mediated by the duration of exposure to ergonomic factors at work on the relationship between socioeconomic position (SEP) and low walking speed. This cross-sectional study was performed on data collected at baseline on 19,704 men and 20,273 women 45–70 years old, currently or previously employed, enrolled in the Constances cohort. SEP was assigned through current or last occupation, categorized in three classes, based on the European Socioeconomic Classification. Walking speed was assessed through one measurement of normal walking for 3 m and dichotomized at the lowest quintile of the sex- and age- (5-year) specific distribution. Self-reported workplace exposure throughout working life to repetitive work, intense physical work, and lifting/carrying heavy loads was used to assess the duration of exposure to each factor, categorized in four classes. Through Poisson regression models, adjusted for BMI, smoking, alcohol intake, hypertension, physical activity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and a cognitive score, the attenuation in the prevalence ratio (PR) of low walking speed by SEP produced by the inclusion of duration of exposure to each factor was evaluated. The mediating effect of work ergonomic exposures on the relationship between SEP and low walking speed was assessed using the weighted method by Vanderweele. In the fully adjusted model without ergonomic exposures, both men and women in the middle and the lowest SEP had a significantly increased risk of low walking speed compared with those in the highest SEP (men: PR = 1.30 and PR = 1.46, respectively; women: PR = 1.24 and PR = 1.45, respectively). The inclusion in separate regression models of exposure duration to repetitive work, intense physical work, and handling of heavy loads produced modest risk attenuations in both men and women, all smaller or around 10%. Mediation analysis revealed in both sexes significant mediation effects for most ergonomic exposures considered, although also with low mediation effects. Significant differences in walking speed by SEP were observed in this large sample, but the proportion of such differences explained by the duration of exposure to ergonomic factors at work was low using either the risk attenuation or the mediation analysis methods.

The Effect of Mobile Wearable Waist Assist Robot on Lower Back Pain during Lifting and Handling Tasks

The rapid growth in nursing demand in P.R.China and the slow increase in the number of qualified nurses has led to a serious increased in workload of existing nurses. Most of their works include heavyweight handling which causes low back pains. Thus a mobile, flexible, comfortable and wearable waist assist device, the Mobile Wearable Waist Assist Robot using pneumatic artificial muscles as power actuators has been developed. The wearer wears the device like a backpack, which can provide wearer the necessary assistance when he lifts loads or performs a static maintenance work, which will reduce the risk of lower back pain. The device is evaluated through an experiment which include three tests - heavy load handling, maximum weight lifting test, and Center of gravity (CoG) trajectory test during static weight lifting. Surface electromyography of erector spinae was recorded during the first test. The iEMG is significantly reduced by about 39% and 27%, respectively (p < 0.05). The angular velocity significantly decreases until the load reaches 35 kg (p < 0.05). When the device is in use, the CoG moving distance is significantly lower than not in use (p < 0.05). These three tests well verified the effectiveness of the Mobile Wearable Waist Assist Robot, which provides waist assists and reduces the risk of lower back pain.

Musculoskeletal Disorders and Associated Factors among Vehicle Repair Workers in Hawassa City, Southern Ethiopia.

Background Vehicle repair work is one of the highest risk professions for work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Globally, only a few published studies have examined the prevalence and determinants of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among vehicle repair workers. Related studies in Ethiopia are even fewer. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of self-reported work-related musculoskeletal disorders and associated factors among vehicle repair workers in Hawassa city, South Ethiopia, 2019. Methods An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 344 vehicle repair workers in the Hawassa city. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire-Extended (NMQ-E) was used to assess work-related musculoskeletal disorders on nine body regions. Descriptive statistics and multivariable analyses were used to characterize the data and identify factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Result The twelve-month prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among this working group was 47.7% with 95% CI (42.7–53.2). Jobs continuously requiring repetitive motions (AOR: 4.29, 95% CI (1.78–10.2)), not having professional training (AOR: 2.04, 95% CI (1.09–3.81)), force exertion when using tools (AOR: 2.40, 95% CI (1.24–4.62)), job stress (AOR:4.54, 95% CI (2.44–8.46)), and regularly lifting, pushing, and pulling loads greater than 20 kg (AOR:4.85, 95% CI (2.65–8.87)) were identified as associated factors. Conclusion This study showed a 47.7% prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Force exertion, repetitive tasks, manual handling of heavy loads, stress, and lack of training were the identified factors. Ergonomic awareness among workers should be increased through training. In addition, owners should investigate methods to reduce or eliminate risk factors leading to musculoskeletal disorders found among these workers. Automation of high-risk tasks should also be investigated.

Reconfigurable magnetic microrobot swarm: Multimode transformation, locomotion, and manipulation.

Swimming microrobots that are energized by external magnetic fields exhibit a variety of intriguing collective behaviors, ranging from dynamic self-organization to coherent motion; however, achieving multiple, desired collective modes within one colloidal system to emulate high environmental adaptability and enhanced tasking capabilities of natural swarms is challenging. Here, we present a strategy that uses alternating magnetic fields to program hematite colloidal particles into liquid, chain, vortex, and ribbon-like microrobotic swarms and enables fast and reversible transformations between them. The chain is characterized by passing through confined narrow channels, and the herring school-like ribbon procession is capable of large-area synchronized manipulation, whereas the colony-like vortex can aggregate at a high density toward coordinated handling of heavy loads. Using the developed discrete particle simulation methods, we investigated generation mechanisms of these four swarms, as well as the "tank-treading" motion of the chain and vortex merging. In addition, the swarms can be programmed to steer in any direction with excellent maneuverability, and the vortex's chirality can be rapidly switched with high pattern stability. This reconfigurable microrobot swarm can provide versatile collective modes to address environmental variations or multitasking requirements; it has potential to investigate fundamentals in living systems and to serve as a functional bio-microrobot system for biomedicine.

Low Back Pain and its Assessment among Commercial Fishermen in Agenebode: An Ergonomic Perspective

In a research done amongst commercial fishermen in Agenebode (Lat. 7.11oN, 6.69oE), the problem low back pain is significant in the fishing business. Research information is scarce on the investigation of the ergonomic stress of professional fishing. Moreover, there is no prior analysis, which investigates the relationship between low back stress (LBS) and low back pain (LBP) in fishing activities. This paper aims to measure the LBS during the gillnet and commercial crab fishing activities as well as to verify the correlation between the low back pain occurrences and those stresses reported in study of Agenebode commercial fishermen during the period (April 2017 – July 2017). A sample of 30 commercial fishermen considered in this study were exposed to LBS and the frequency of the fishing activities was assessed using questionnaire with crab pot and gillnet fishermen. The occurrence rate ratios (RR, 95% CI) of low back pain, which interrupted fishing, exposed to the high LBS and self-reported task was modelled on the basis of the multivariate generalised Poisson regression. It was observed that increased rates of low back pain correlates with the percent of time fishermen were exposed to discomforted postures. Handling of heavy loads during the loading and unloading activities generated lifting indices and high compression values, but with little overall work time (&lt;15%). The results establish that neither ergonomic measure nor fishing task frequency alone can accurately predict LBP. Conversely, ageing, history of the LBP and self-selection out of tasks, perhaps, are significant factors that contributes to the LBS and outcomes observed

Lower back pain and its association with whole-body vibration and manual materials handling among commercial drivers in Sabah

A cross-sectional study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of lower back pain (LBP) and its association with whole-body vibration (WBV) and manual materials handling (MMH). We studied 110 commercial vehicle drivers using a self-administered questionnaire and the VI-400Pro human vibration monitor. Prevalence of LBP was 66.4%. The percentage of drivers who had frequent manual handling of heavy loads was 45.5% and those who handled heavy loads in awkward postures accounted for 86.4%. Daily vibration A(8) averaged on the z axis was 0.25 (0.06) m·s−2 and at vector sum was 0.29 (0.07) m·s−2. Daily vibration exposures on the z axis, frequent manual handling of heavy loads and awkward posture during MMH were significantly associated with LBP. Drivers who are exposed to WBV and frequently handle heavy loads manually and with awkward postures probably have more LBP than drivers who are exposed to only one of these risk factors.

Reducing physical ergonomic risks at assembly lines by line balancing and job rotation: A survey

Factors such as repetitiveness of work, required application of forces, handling of heavy loads, and awkward, static postures expose assembly line workers to risks of musculoskeletal disorders. As a rule, companies perform a post hoc analysis of ergonomic risks and examine ways to modify workplaces with high ergonomic risks. However, it is possible to lower ergonomic risks by taking ergonomics aspects into account right from the planning stage. In this survey, we provide an overview of the existing optimization approaches to assembly line balancing and job rotation scheduling that consider physical ergonomic risks. We summarize major findings to provide helpful insights for practitioners and identify research directions.

Evaluación ergonómica del procesamiento del caucho natural en plantaciones y pequeñas empresas

This exploratory study used OWAS (Ovako Working Posture Analysing System) to analyze the working postures of natural rubber tappers and rubber industry workers. A community of natural rubber farmers of Taraza and five small companies of Medellin and Itagui, all of them allocated in Antioquia-Colombia, participated in this study. Processes were analyzed in-situ and videotapes of activities were recorded for carrying out a movement study. For an overall distribution of trunk postures, OWAS identified that a bent and twisted trunk posture which fell into action category 4, was the major poor posture for rubber tappers and rubber industry workers. This study also identified that latex tapping, latex collection, mixing in two roll mills and metallic molds operation were the four activities in which the major working posture risks were observed. It was found that reduction of posture risks in natural rubber production chain requires designing and implementing plans considering organizational culture, socio-economic and sociodemographic factors of natural rubber farmers and small rubber manufacturing industries, besides the use of some useful tools that reduce the handling of heavy loads.

Examination of postures and frequency of musculoskeletal disorders among manual workers in Calcutta, India.

Manual material handling (MMH) activities require workers to adopt various awkward postures leading to the development of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). To investigate the postures adopted during heavy load handling and the frequency of MSDs among MMH workers in Calcutta, India. We conducted a cross-sectional study with 100 MMH workers. MSD frequency was assessed via the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire. The Ovako Working Posture Assessment System (OWAS) was used to analyze working posture. We used logistic regression to predict MSD risk factors. Ninety five percent of workers reported a MSD in at least one body part in the past 12months. According to OWAS results, 83% of the analysed work postures require immediate corrective measures for worker safety. The most harmful posture was carrying a heavy load overhead. Carrying more than 120kg increased the odds of low back and neck pain by 4.527 and 4.555, respectively. This sample had a high frequency of reported MSDs, likely attributed to physiologically strenuous occupational activities repeated on average of 30-40 times daily. Ergonomic interventions, such as the use of handcarts, and occupational training are urgently needed.

Does drywall installers' innovative idea reduce the ergonomic exposures of ceiling installation: A field case study

ObjectiveThe study was conducted to assess an intervention suggested by the workers to reduce the physical or ergonomic exposures of the drywall installation task. MethodsThe drywall installers were asked to brainstorm on innovative ideas that could reduce their ergonomic exposures during the drywall installation work. The workers proposed the idea of using a ‘deadman’ (narrow panel piece) to hold the panels to the ceiling while installing them. The researcher collected quantitative exposure data (PATH, 3DSSPP) at the baseline and intervention phases and compared the phases to find out any change in the exposure while using the ‘deadman’. ResultsResults showed that ergonomic exposures (such as overhead arm and awkward trunk postures and heavy load handling) were reduced at the intervention phase while using the ‘deadman’ with an electrically operated lift. ConclusionThe concept of the ‘deadman’, which was shown to help reduce musculoskeletal exposures during ceiling installation, can be used to fabricate a permanent ergonomic tool to support the ceiling drywall panel.

Prevalence and risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders among Myanmar migrant workers in Thai seafood industries

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with self-administered questionnaires among 368 Myanmar migrant workers to investigate the prevalence of and to determine the risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the Thai seafood industry. The results showed the prevalence of MSDs was 45.1% occurring in the last 7 days. Marital status, number of dependents, other health problems, working hours, repetitive hand movements, awkward posture of wrists, prolonged standing, and manual handling of heavy loads were found to be associated with MSDs. Multiple logistic regression indicated that the workers who were married, had more than two dependents, and had more exposure to awkward wrist postures were at significantly increased risk of MSDs. The study findings suggest the need for adequate knowledge of ergonomics and for awareness campaign programs focusing on prevention of MSDs, especially low back pain, to be initiated in industries for earlier detection of symptoms among seafood processing workers.

Occupational injuries of teachers and educational staff at special schools with multiple and severely handicapped children in Rhineland-Palatinate (Germany): results of a cross-sectional study.

The present study aimed to describe the prevalence, type, and influencing factors of occupational injuries of staff working at special schools with multiple and severely handicapped pupils in Southwestern Germany. This cross-sectional study was carried out between August 2010 and August 2012 at 13 special schools with focus on motoric and/or holistic development of handicapped pupils in Rhineland-Palatinate (Germany). Participants were interviewed using a written questionnaire. There were 395 participants (response proportion: 59.7%) in our study, with 390 being eligible for statistical analysis. Respondents were on average 45 years old and mainly female (86.9%). The 12-month injury prevalence was 16.9%. Joint dislocations, sprains, and torn ligaments (41.6%) were the main types of injuries. Pupils (59.8%) and auxiliary equipment (12.2%) were identified as the main causes of injury by the respondents. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that washing pupils (using auxiliary equipment) (aOR, 3.93; 95% CI, 1.66-9.31) and daily physical strain due to unexpected conduct of pupils (aOR, 3.70; 95% CI, 1.20-11.37) were the main influencing factors for an occupational injury. Almost one in five persons suffered an occupational injury in the previous 12 months. Nursing activities, including close contact with pupils, were identified as the most important factors for an injury. In order to prevent injuries at special schools, a multifaceted approach is necessary. This includes sufficient supply of auxiliary devices including proper technical maintenance. Furthermore, regular participation in training for manual handling of heavy loads and schooling on the technical use of auxiliary devices should be encouraged.

Interventions to Reduce the Ergonomic Exposures of Drywall Installation

The study was conducted to assess the efficacy of an assistive tool to reduce the physical exposures of the ceiling installation task. Based on the idea of using a ‘deadman’ (long narrow piece of panel) to help hold the panels on the ceiling while installing them, a prototype tool was fabricated that could be placed on its own while supporting the ceiling. This tool, which was introduced to the drywall foremen and ceiling installers at a construction site, was implemented as an intervention for the ceiling installation process. To evaluate the efficacy of this tool for exposure reduction, the researcher collected quantitative exposure data (PATH) and qualitative data at the baseline and intervention phases. The data at the two time periods were compared to evaluate any change in the exposure with use of the tool. Results showed that physical exposures (such as overhead arm, postures, heavy load handling, load handling while holding the panels with arms raised while being on a ladder) were reduced while using the tool at the intervention phase. Reduction of physical ergonomic exposures by the use of the prototype tool is evident in the result while the tool itself was a better version of the ‘deadman’ regarding its easy usage and self-supporting structure i.e., the installers need not hold it under the ceiling.