1. UC Ergonomics/ Safe Pavement Breakers Diana J. Flores MPH- University of California, Los Angeles Michael Lopez B.S. Bioengineering- University of California, Berkeley 1

2. Background In construction…  5 out of every 100 workers injured  >50% of injuries = Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) Jackhammering causes back and shoulder MSDs Stuck jackhammer = increased strain Looking for a solution to help prevent MSDs 2

3. Background Jackhammer Lift Assist Pneumatically powered “foot” pushes jackhammer out of the ground Reduces effort of lifting/repositioning jackhammer Decreases back and shoulder strain 3

4. Background Lift Assist available to workers at PG&E Workers prefer not to use device 4

5. Objective Find out why many workers prefer traditional method of jackhammering 5

6. Methods Site visits at PG&E (2) Worker interviews (4) Worker Questionnaires (4) Interviews with Ergonomist and Construction experts Interview with PG&E union rep (IBEW 1245) Visited Northern California Laborer’s Training Center in San Ramon 6

7. What we learned THE GOOD: Helpful on flat, open ground Reduces back and shoulder strain Well accepted once workers give it a try THE BAD: Not appropriate for all situations (hills, limited space) Decreases accuracy of work Large reach for activation trigger Adds 10lbs weight 7

8. Evaluation “It’s a good idea, but it needs some work” -PG&E construction worker 8

9. Recommendations Decrease activation trigger reach Decrease weight of device Modify foot such that it conforms to sloped surfaces 9

10. Further Recommendations Larger storage compartment for device Put jackhammer away as a team when possible Conduct periodic safety training for individual work crews on jackhammer risks and precautions. Incorporate Lift Assist into initial jackhammer trainings 10

11. Challenges Project time limitation Small Sample Size Not much literature specific to Jackhammer MSDs Jackhammer injuries not limited to MSDs 11

12. Issues Noise Vibration Road Traffic Silica Dust 12

13. Successes Cooperative PG&E liaisons and crews Interviews with ergonomics and construction experts Sufficient videotape footage Understanding additional construction work hazards that we were not previously aware of. 13

14. Acknowledgements UC Ergonomics Lab Maggie Robbins Dr. David Rempel Betsy Llosa Staff CA. Dept. of Public Health Dr. Bob Harrison David Harrington Staff Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics Occupational Health Internship Program Diane Bush Sarah Jacobs PG&E Garret Chang Taisir Shurasa Work Crews Northern CA. Laborer’s Training Center Ollie Hurl Jerome Williams 14

15. Questions? 15