BACKGROUND:
Construction Health and Safety New Zealand (CHASNZ) and the Scaffolding, Access and Rigging Association of NZ (SARNZ) formed the NZ Scaffolding musculoskeletal disease (MSD) Taskforce, which identified shoulder-carrying of scaffold parts as a major risk factor for MSD. An e-barrow was suggested as a possible intervention to transport scaffold parts. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate an e-barrow for its feasibility to transport scaffold parts to reduce shoulder-carrying in scaffolders, and to propose design improvements.
METHODS:
Two analytical pre-post interventional participating ergonomics field trials were conducted in New Zealand (January–April 2022) by the cohort (two groups of scaffolders). A scaffolding company based in Hamilton (10 males; two females aged 18-36) and one based in Rotorua (10 males aged 21-38) were recruited by SARNZ. The mixed-method research model included secondary (literature study) and primary (pre-intervention, process and post-intervention trial stages) research. Built on the theories of participation and feedback-interaction, the process stage consisted of five points of contact: the informative toolbox-talk and e-barrow demonstration; three on-site observation sessions (using risk assessment tools, photos, videos, and qualitative feedback); and the final evaluation session (completing surveys).
RESULTS:
The first trial, although terminated after six workdays, provided valuable information about what parts could not be transported with an e-barrow (anything longer than 1.5 m) and led to the refinement of the selection criteria for the next trial group. The second trial confirmed that scaffold parts up to 1.5 m are transportable with an e-barrow. The use of an e-barrow led to reduced shoulder-carrying, reduced physical output and improved productivity despite increased breaks. The second trial’s risk assessments and feedback were overwhelmingly positive. Minor design changes were proposed, but not implemented. A size guide was created specifying transportable scaffold parts.
CONCLUSION:
The e-barrow was feasible to transport scaffold parts up to 1.5 m long, subject to site accessibility. Reduced shoulder-carrying, physical output and increased productivity were reported. Minor design changes could increase its feasibility. Using the scaffolding size guide, scaffolding companies can determine whether the e-barrow would be a sound investment. Shouldercarrying of longer lengths remains a cause for concern.
TRIAL REGISTRATION: n/a.
TRIAL FUNDING: CHASNZ via Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) sponsorship.
