Innovations
20 innovations that are being used on worksites have been identified by the research team. More are being identified as the research study progressess. Check out fact sheets for these innovations on the Innovation Fact Sheets page.
Anchor Jack: The Anchor Jack is a telescopic tool that inserts an anchor into a pre-drilled hole and that has a sliding ‘hammering’ system. Overhead work is reduced significantly when used.
Drill Jack: The Drill Jack is a foot-actuated, telescopic tool for drilling ceiling holes for anchors. This tool reduces the amount of overhead forceful work required to do the job traditionally.
Journal article:
Rempel, D., Star, D., Bar, A., Gibbons, B., Janowitz, I. (2009). A new method for overhead drilling. Ergonomics, 52(12), 1584-1589
PMID: 19941190
Duct Hoist: A system used to raise and hold pre-constructed lengths of duct so that they can be suspended from anchors. This allows the duct work to be built at ground level, eliminating most of the overhead work generally associated with this task.
Ergonomic change Committee: Specific joint health and safety committee aimed at examining MSD issues and reducing risk.
Flat bed truck ladders: Ladders are available which are permanently attached to the bed of the truck.
Frame Wall lifter: The wall lifter allows newly constructed low-rise residential wall frames to be lifted with limited (1-2) workers. The wall lifter is powered, reducing the physical demand required for this task.
Grout DeliverySystems: Delivery systems for finished product that reduce the need for manual grouting using buckets.
Hydraulic ladder Lift: This hydraulically operated lift raises the ladder to the roof of service vans. It eliminates the need to climb on bumpers to secure the ladder. It also reduces shoulder and upper back force often required to lift and secure the ladder. It has been tested in Ontario winters and has been effective even on the snowiest days.
Hydraulic mixer: Powered mixer that can be set up lower for decreased destination height of materials and is remotely raised and dumped reducing the physical demand associated with this tool.
Knee crawlers: Knee crawlers assist movement when working on the floor. Saves your knees and eases movement.
Maintenance hole cover lifter: A wheeled-leverage device designed to assist in the removal and replacement of maintenance hole and catch basin covers.
Mesh bulk head: Mesh bulk heads can be used for both slab and beam edges. They arel ighter and easier to cut than traditional plywood forms reducing the work and materials needed for this job. Rebar and conduit can be punched through the mesh.
Modified Cabin for Heavy Equipment: The cabin of an excavator is raised to allow operator to see while remaining in a more neutral posture.
Plastic sprinkler piping: Lighter and more manageable material being used for sprinkler systems which can be cut and glued with ease.
Pneumatic drywall finishing machine: This tool reduces repetitive forceful arm motions and increases productivity.
Rebar tying tool: Approximately the size and weight of a large drill, this tool contains a spool of wire, a feeding/twisting (tying/cutting) mechanism and a trigger. When the head of the tool is placed over the rebar or conduit joint, the trigger is depressed, and the area tied off. Newer generations of these devices have adjustable tension control.
Without rebar tying tool
With rebar tying tool
Silo mixer: Mortar/Grout Silos: Large silos are supplied to the mason/builder on site with factory prepared bulk mortars and grout.The manufacturer delivers dry product to the site where the silo is filled . Product is either mixed internally with a built-in mixer or fed into the masons own mixer where water is added. These systems at present are used sparingly in residential subdivisions.
Stair climber: Allows you to carry heavy loads up stairs and ramps almost effortlessly.
Stand-Up Auto feed screw gun: This is an extension device that allows sub floors to be screwed down without having to bend over. When the worker presses down on the device, a screw is drilled into the floor and a new screw is advanced for the next drilling site. This device can also be used for drywall, etc.
Stretchable PEX Piping system: The PEX tube is stretched prior to being inserted on the fittings and returns to previous diameter, completing the connection. This allows work to be done in safer (neutral) postures.
Vibrating screed: The vibrating screed allows workers to screed the wet concrete while standing. The concrete is levelled by a vibrating aluminum screed powered by a two stroke engine.
