Construction ergonomics: The challenges of moving from innovation to industry adoption

One of the most physically demanding tasks in construction is overhead drilling into concrete for the attachment of anchors, bolts, etc., in order to hang pipes, ducts, wiring, and equipment performed by plumbers, electricians, and sheet metal workers (NIOSH 2002). Work is performed on a ladder or scaffold and involves pushing a hammer drill upward toward the ceiling while the drill bit cuts into concrete or metal. Since the work is done on a ladder and near the ceiling, it also involves awkward neck and shoulder postures, the risk of falling, silica dust, noise, and vibration exposure. The University of California, Ergonomics Program developed an overhead drilling press (ODP) device to reduce these risks. Through 4 rounds of design, prototype building, field testing, and worker feedback, we developed a novel device that involves an inverted drill press design (Rempel 2007). Workplace testing has documented that productivity is increased and risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders and falling are reduced.

In collaboration with the Occupational Health Branch, California Department of Public Health we developed a multifaceted effort of outreach, education, marketing and training to ensure the diffusion and adoption of the ODP in California. The challenges of taking this innovation from its research success to having it more broadly adopted by the industry will be presented. Issues to be discussed include: adoption and diffusion barriers and challenges; segmentation; outreach and education to stakeholders; mass communications campaign; recruiting ODP users; identifying a company that will manufacture and market the device; evaluation and recommendations.