A Small Step towards Dignity of Labour
Raghunath Lohar, an aeronautical student, was walking past a construction site when he saw a woman carrying bricks on her head lose her balance. A heavy brick fell on her foot and broke her toes. He felt bad for the woman, but more than that, this incident raised several questions in his mind. What is the point of being an engineer if he cannot devise an implement that could help lessen the burden of these people? He started thinking of ways on how this could be done. Then he saw an advertisement from the National Innovation Council which called for proposals on models that could reduce the drudgery of the workers. This gave him an incentive to start working on what he had been thinking ever since he saw the woman laborer break her toes. Finally, he was able to design a vessel desk. Bricks and other materials could be put in this vessel, and the light desk to carry it was so designed that it distributed the burden on the two shoulders instead of the whole weight falling on the head. Also, there was no question of losing the balance with this implement. He sent the design to the National Innovation Council. His model was selected for the award, which carried a cash prize of 50,000 rupees. The vessel desk can be used by both men and women. Raghunath has also designed different kinds of attachments to go with the model for use separately by farmers or other workers to reduce their drudgery. Also, the model suits the Indian conditions. Raghunath says that it cost him between 700 to 800 rupees to make this model. He feels that the model can be improved upon and produced on a large scale for use by construction workers.
We often see women, young and old, carrying loads of bricks and other construction materials on their heads or men carrying huge sacks of food grains and other stuff, or these people breaking stones at construction sites in severe weather conditions, risking all kinds of injuries. Also, we see men with bare bodies getting into manholes to clean sewers without any safeguards or proper implements. While science and technology in our country have advanced by leaps and bounds, very little thought has gone into manufacturing simple and low-cost implements that could reduce the risks of injury, pain, and physical burden and drudgery of the working class.
"These questions had bothered him," says Sam Pitroda, the Chairman of the National Innovation Council. Mr. Pitroda says that attention has, for too long, been focused on the problems of the rich, and there was a need for an Indian model of inclusive innovation that focused on the poor and the common man.
Source: FB
From India, Madras
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457Raghunath Lohar, an aeronautical student, was walking past a construction site when he saw a woman carrying bricks on her head lose her balance. A heavy brick fell on her foot and broke her toes. He felt bad for the woman, but more than that, this incident raised several questions in his mind. What is the point of being an engineer if he cannot devise an implement that could help lessen the burden of these people? He started thinking of ways on how this could be done. Then he saw an advertisement from the National Innovation Council which called for proposals on models that could reduce the drudgery of the workers. This gave him an incentive to start working on what he had been thinking ever since he saw the woman laborer break her toes. Finally, he was able to design a vessel desk. Bricks and other materials could be put in this vessel, and the light desk to carry it was so designed that it distributed the burden on the two shoulders instead of the whole weight falling on the head. Also, there was no question of losing the balance with this implement. He sent the design to the National Innovation Council. His model was selected for the award, which carried a cash prize of 50,000 rupees. The vessel desk can be used by both men and women. Raghunath has also designed different kinds of attachments to go with the model for use separately by farmers or other workers to reduce their drudgery. Also, the model suits the Indian conditions. Raghunath says that it cost him between 700 to 800 rupees to make this model. He feels that the model can be improved upon and produced on a large scale for use by construction workers.
We often see women, young and old, carrying loads of bricks and other construction materials on their heads or men carrying huge sacks of food grains and other stuff, or these people breaking stones at construction sites in severe weather conditions, risking all kinds of injuries. Also, we see men with bare bodies getting into manholes to clean sewers without any safeguards or proper implements. While science and technology in our country have advanced by leaps and bounds, very little thought has gone into manufacturing simple and low-cost implements that could reduce the risks of injury, pain, and physical burden and drudgery of the working class.
"These questions had bothered him," says Sam Pitroda, the Chairman of the National Innovation Council. Mr. Pitroda says that attention has, for too long, been focused on the problems of the rich, and there was a need for an Indian model of inclusive innovation that focused on the poor and the common man.
Source: FB
From India, Madras
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These innovative ideas are really looking nice and can be used in various places. However, in construction sites, they may not work well as they require smooth roads/floors, which are not typically found in construction areas. The weight of the device is also a concern, as it needs to be able to bear the load. According to regulations, female workers can carry up to 30 kg, and male workers can carry up to 55 kg, which includes the weight of the device if used. Therefore, I believe these devices may not be suitable for the construction industry but could be highly useful in shops, departmental stores, and factories.
Forum Category Change Suggestion
Should we request the moderators to change the forum from General Discussion to Safety?
Thank you for sharing and please continue to share, Mr. AVS.
Regards,
From India, Kumbakonam
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Forum Category Change Suggestion
Should we request the moderators to change the forum from General Discussion to Safety?
Thank you for sharing and please continue to share, Mr. AVS.
Regards,
From India, Kumbakonam
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Thanks for sharing such information with us. I just went through the narrative, and it's interesting. I am very proud of Mr. Raghunath and his creative mind. In pictures 3 and 4, similar equipment is already in use overseas in offices to move small items. The new elements are in pictures 1, 2, 5, and 6, which may not yield positive results in construction and industries, as Mr. Bhaskar clearly stated in his previous reply.
One more thing is the weight of the equipment. If it's easy to carry (lightweight), it might not be suitable for moving heavy items in construction and industry, in my opinion. This could potentially lead to ergonomic issues. I'm not an ergonomic specialist, so I can't prove this, but I have written a letter to M/S Swathi (an ergonomic specialist) regarding this thread and hope she will respond soon.
However, it was selected by the National Innovation Council. While searching online, I couldn't find any data on what type of procedures they consider on the ergonomic side when selecting new equipment.
Thanks for your message, Bhaskar; otherwise, we would have missed this thread. Keep in touch...
Regards,
From United States, Fpo
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One more thing is the weight of the equipment. If it's easy to carry (lightweight), it might not be suitable for moving heavy items in construction and industry, in my opinion. This could potentially lead to ergonomic issues. I'm not an ergonomic specialist, so I can't prove this, but I have written a letter to M/S Swathi (an ergonomic specialist) regarding this thread and hope she will respond soon.
However, it was selected by the National Innovation Council. While searching online, I couldn't find any data on what type of procedures they consider on the ergonomic side when selecting new equipment.
Thanks for your message, Bhaskar; otherwise, we would have missed this thread. Keep in touch...
Regards,
From United States, Fpo
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Thank you very much for this thread. It has really sparked a new thought in my mind. I salute the engineering mind that conceived of such a solution for the improvement of those shop floor workers.
Creating a Lightweight Carrying Case
Thanks for leading the way in this thread. I believe we could even create a lightweight version of this carrying case. From the picture alone, it is evident that it is made of wood, so it might be lightweight. However, I don't think such a product is readily available in the market today. Therefore, we can only draw conclusions on its practical aspects once it has been used. I encourage all friends from the construction and manufacturing industries to provide the pictures to a skilled carpenter/fabricator and create a similar carrying case. If anyone constructs and uses one, please do share feedback on the advantages and disadvantages with this forum. I will also forward this to my previous company for their consideration. If I receive any feedback, I will certainly provide updates.
Awaiting Ergonomist's Feedback
It's great that you have reached out to the Ergonomist for her views. Let's wait for her response.
Thank you.
Regards
From India
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Creating a Lightweight Carrying Case
Thanks for leading the way in this thread. I believe we could even create a lightweight version of this carrying case. From the picture alone, it is evident that it is made of wood, so it might be lightweight. However, I don't think such a product is readily available in the market today. Therefore, we can only draw conclusions on its practical aspects once it has been used. I encourage all friends from the construction and manufacturing industries to provide the pictures to a skilled carpenter/fabricator and create a similar carrying case. If anyone constructs and uses one, please do share feedback on the advantages and disadvantages with this forum. I will also forward this to my previous company for their consideration. If I receive any feedback, I will certainly provide updates.
Awaiting Ergonomist's Feedback
It's great that you have reached out to the Ergonomist for her views. Let's wait for her response.
Thank you.
Regards
From India
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Thank you for sharing valuable information. What a very good and innovative idea!
Let the Ideas Flow
Dear Raghu, let the ideas flow first. Once they are delivered, updating on the product and implementation becomes easier.
Dear Mr. Bhaskar, thank you for your message.
Regards
From India, Bangalore
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Let the Ideas Flow
Dear Raghu, let the ideas flow first. Once they are delivered, updating on the product and implementation becomes easier.
Dear Mr. Bhaskar, thank you for your message.
Regards
From India, Bangalore
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Thanks for the opportunity to comment. My feedback based on the pictures and experience is as follows:
Firstly, any product design fit for a given issue is best evaluated and validated in the field from the end user and then enhanced to meet the design goal. To provide objective feedback, actual testing of the final design is recommended.
Comments on Picture 6: Carrying Vessel Overhead on the Vessel Desk
Pros:
- Avoids strain on head and neck when carrying the load.
- Provides boundary and larger surface area for the vessel to stay stable.
- Vessel desk has straps around the waist.
Cons:
- Vessel desk stability depends upon the operator holding it with the hands. Heavy load in the vessel, weak and inadequate grip strength may compromise the stability of the desk and decrease safety of the user and may be prone to accidents.
- Low back, shoulders, wrist, and hands are exposed to continuous static loading and compressive forces, risk factors known for MSDs.
- Shoulder support and padding - depending upon anthropometrics of the user; for example, narrow or broad or wide shoulders - shoulder support may not sit just right creating unstable and uncomfortable conditions (one size does not fit all).
Comments on Picture 2: Carrying Sack or Object Set on Low Back with the Vessel Desk
Pros:
- May be helpful to carry sack (as seen in the picture) or bags that are lightweight – similar to a backpack.
Cons:
- Excessive loading of the low back can occur due to the weight of the object – consider heavy backpack scenario.
- Do not see any straps to secure object to the vessel.
Comments on Picture 4: Pushing the Vessel Desk with Bricks Loaded
Pros:
- Most safe means of transportation amongst all the 3 pictures provided – similar to a hand truck.
Cons:
- Wood construction with small wheels may not sustain the weights, transport on dirt roads, and uneven paths.
- Height of the handles to push seems to be too low, causing taller individuals to bend over when pushing.
Few Questions to Understand and Enhance the Designs:
1. What was the typical average weight anticipated to be carried in these vessels for both overhead and back applications?
2. Are the vessels in different sizes? Is that considered in this design?
3. How is the load secured on the vessel – if it is not in the shape and size shown in the picture?
4. Prototype seems to be made of wood. What is the final product material?
Recommendations:
As a practicing ergonomist, I recommend the following to enhance the design:
1. Provide adequate stability to the vessel desk and support for the weight to be distributed across a wider shoulder area; examples include adding wider support, cross shoulder straps on both sides.
2. Provide gripping surfaces with T bar at the end of the shoulder bar extension to make it easy to grip and reduce gripping forces.
3. Set administrative limits on how much maximum weight can be carried at a time on the vessel desk (this should be based upon the load tolerance capacity of the joints and tissues at stake).
4. The equipment design goal should be to eliminate the risk and not transfer the risk whenever possible.
5. Use of hand truck, cart, or similar transport means should be used whenever possible than carrying.
6. In the long term - Eliminate the need to carry weight overhead and shoulders. This needs to be an industry-wide initiative starting with increasing ergonomic and safety awareness at all levels in construction and manufacturing industries. Can we think of a trolley or push-pull cart that will hold not only one but more than one vessel, so that we can optimize the carrying frequency as well? If they need to get it up onto stairs or at heights – can we design a portable pulley system to lift the vessels up? Robust wheels will meet the various construction environments' needs as well. The physiologic energy expenditure risk will also be addressed as these tasks can be demanding on the metabolic processes of the operator.
I hope this helps understand the design. If you need further consultancy, I am happy to provide it.
From United States, Palo Alto
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Firstly, any product design fit for a given issue is best evaluated and validated in the field from the end user and then enhanced to meet the design goal. To provide objective feedback, actual testing of the final design is recommended.
Comments on Picture 6: Carrying Vessel Overhead on the Vessel Desk
Pros:
- Avoids strain on head and neck when carrying the load.
- Provides boundary and larger surface area for the vessel to stay stable.
- Vessel desk has straps around the waist.
Cons:
- Vessel desk stability depends upon the operator holding it with the hands. Heavy load in the vessel, weak and inadequate grip strength may compromise the stability of the desk and decrease safety of the user and may be prone to accidents.
- Low back, shoulders, wrist, and hands are exposed to continuous static loading and compressive forces, risk factors known for MSDs.
- Shoulder support and padding - depending upon anthropometrics of the user; for example, narrow or broad or wide shoulders - shoulder support may not sit just right creating unstable and uncomfortable conditions (one size does not fit all).
Comments on Picture 2: Carrying Sack or Object Set on Low Back with the Vessel Desk
Pros:
- May be helpful to carry sack (as seen in the picture) or bags that are lightweight – similar to a backpack.
Cons:
- Excessive loading of the low back can occur due to the weight of the object – consider heavy backpack scenario.
- Do not see any straps to secure object to the vessel.
Comments on Picture 4: Pushing the Vessel Desk with Bricks Loaded
Pros:
- Most safe means of transportation amongst all the 3 pictures provided – similar to a hand truck.
Cons:
- Wood construction with small wheels may not sustain the weights, transport on dirt roads, and uneven paths.
- Height of the handles to push seems to be too low, causing taller individuals to bend over when pushing.
Few Questions to Understand and Enhance the Designs:
1. What was the typical average weight anticipated to be carried in these vessels for both overhead and back applications?
2. Are the vessels in different sizes? Is that considered in this design?
3. How is the load secured on the vessel – if it is not in the shape and size shown in the picture?
4. Prototype seems to be made of wood. What is the final product material?
Recommendations:
As a practicing ergonomist, I recommend the following to enhance the design:
1. Provide adequate stability to the vessel desk and support for the weight to be distributed across a wider shoulder area; examples include adding wider support, cross shoulder straps on both sides.
2. Provide gripping surfaces with T bar at the end of the shoulder bar extension to make it easy to grip and reduce gripping forces.
3. Set administrative limits on how much maximum weight can be carried at a time on the vessel desk (this should be based upon the load tolerance capacity of the joints and tissues at stake).
4. The equipment design goal should be to eliminate the risk and not transfer the risk whenever possible.
5. Use of hand truck, cart, or similar transport means should be used whenever possible than carrying.
6. In the long term - Eliminate the need to carry weight overhead and shoulders. This needs to be an industry-wide initiative starting with increasing ergonomic and safety awareness at all levels in construction and manufacturing industries. Can we think of a trolley or push-pull cart that will hold not only one but more than one vessel, so that we can optimize the carrying frequency as well? If they need to get it up onto stairs or at heights – can we design a portable pulley system to lift the vessels up? Robust wheels will meet the various construction environments' needs as well. The physiologic energy expenditure risk will also be addressed as these tasks can be demanding on the metabolic processes of the operator.
I hope this helps understand the design. If you need further consultancy, I am happy to provide it.
From United States, Palo Alto
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It is great to see your observation and apt reply on the pros and cons of the material shifting devices. If the same is further developed with a steel square tubular pipe with height adjustment and as advised by you for binding the material with the device, then it will be useful. In a construction site, it cannot be used because there will not be any smooth surface in the work area.
Thanks for your reply, and we expect you to take an active part in this forum. Wish you all the best.
Regards
From India, Kumbakonam
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Thanks for your reply, and we expect you to take an active part in this forum. Wish you all the best.
Regards
From India, Kumbakonam
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I need to say thank you for considering my request and providing a great write-up on this thread during your busy schedule. Again, thank you very much, Ma'am, for the great explanation as an ergonomics specialist. Keep in touch whenever you have time.
From United States, Fpo
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From United States, Fpo
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Thank you, Raghu. In regards to comments from S. Bhaskar regarding the use of this device in the construction industry, this particular model may not work. However, with modifications, it can certainly work. For example, the use of appropriate wheels, additional stability for the product to be moved, and selecting materials for building the cart/trolley that can sustain outdoor conditions and weights, etc.
Regards,
Swati
From United States, Palo Alto
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Regards,
Swati
From United States, Palo Alto
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