Lifting Roof Support Rail
| Old Way: | Many mines use rail to help support the mine roof. One rail may weigh over 225 kilograms (500 pounds), and is often lifted manually. This causes workers to do a heavy lifting task in an awkward posture, which are major risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders. |
| New Way: | Mechanical-assist devices can be developed to reduce worker exposure to this heavy lifting task. This figure illustrates an assist device made of a modified automotive floor jack mounted on a rail car, which performs the task of lifting the rail. |
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| Old Way | | New Way |
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