For many tradesmen, purchasing new tools is a significant investment, both in time and money. While the majority of tradesmen understand the importance of looking after their investment by regularly maintaining their tools, some give less consideration to the health and safety implications of transporting them incorrectly.
Chiropractors recommend that individuals carry no more than 10% of their own body weight on a day-to-day basis; so with the average tool bag weighing in excess of 14kg, tradesmen are therefore at an increased risk of causing damage to their backs.
A heavy load that is unevenly or improperly distributed can cause postural imbalances, spinal misalignments, muscle strain, headaches, back, neck and arm pain, and even nerve damage. A heavy bag carried on one shoulder causes the spine and muscles to compensate for the uneven weight, placing stress on the spine and nervous system, and may lead to health issues and pain.
Rucksacks are the ideal way to carry tools, as they are designed to spread weight evenly over both shoulders, allowing the back and abdominal muscles to bear the weight. However, recent consumer research carried out by C.K Magma revealed that only 20% of tradesmen currently use a rucksack to transport their tools.
Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are the most common cause of occupational ill health in Great Britain, currently affecting 1 million people a year and costing society £5.7 billion. A strong spine is crucial to a tradesman’s daily work, so days lost to back pain or skeletal disorders are an economic hindrance as well as a health issue. Most cannot afford to miss a day’s work if it can be avoided.
Contractors and site managers should communicate the benefits of carrying tools in a safe way to employees, considering the total number of working days lost due to MSDs in 2013/14 was 8.3 million.
To lend a helping hand, C.K Magma has launched the Technician’s Rucksack Plus. A reinforced shoulder strap delivers additional strength and durability to easily move tools on the job, while an ergonomic contoured-shape base and a back with extensive padding provide additional comfort while being carried.
At C.K Magma, we remain committed to continuously improving our offering to bring the best solutions to tradesmen. Years of working closely with end-user customers and listening to feedback have given us an in-depth understanding of the very nature of the work tradesmen undertake and the issues and restraints relating to that work.
This knowledge has steered the company in its creation of the C.K Magma Technician’s Rucksack Plus, adding features to make it more relevant to tradesmen’s work. We recommend that both straps are fastened securely, to carry the bag evenly across both shoulders, reducing pressure on the neck, spine and nervous system.
As well as offering comfort and practicality for tradesmen, the Technician’s Rucksack Plus directly addresses the UK’s growing problem of MSD. It reduces the risk of spinal damage caused by uneven distribution of weight and misalignment of the spine, thus ensuring workers’ backs are protected and in full working order, allowing them to complete the job and earn that all-important wage.
For further information, visit www.ck-magma.com or call 01758 704704.
