Painting is undeniably hard work. Professional painters that do this hard work day in, day out really face challenging conditions. Not just painting, but also other demanding tasks such as plastering and sanding. In this article, we will dive deeper into what can be done to navigate through these challenges.
Why is painting such demanding work? There are several key reasons. Every task above shoulder height and the hips puts pressure on the body. Over time this adds up, leading to discomfort and injuries. Repetitive movements only exhaust our muscles further and cause a lot of wear and tear on the body. The best way to reduce this impact on the body is through good tools, techniques, and processes. Here are several recommendations:
- Aim to reduce work above shoulder height. Any surfaces, walls or ceilings, above shoulder height are challenging. Whether it is painting, plastering, sanding or something else. Use a ladder or other equipment to get closer to the surfaces you are working on. Ideally, these tasks are avoided as much as possible and instead the right tools or solutions are used to get the job done.
- Reduce the need to bend. As with anything above shoulder height, any tasks that require you to bend can be challenging on your body. Particularly if you need to be in awkward or uncomfortable positions. Whether it is bending your back, squatting to reach something near the floor, or angling your neck up when treating a ceiling. In other words, ensuring good ergonomics is crucial. Keeping an eye on postures and movement during work can reduce the chance of physical problems.
- Bring the right tools. Using the right tools for the job can make tasks easier to complete. For example, use an extension to your roller for high surfaces or a hand truck to move buckets instead of using your hands. Introducing tools that focus on tasks that are tiring, time-consuming, or frustrating can make a job truly easier. A crucial step is to also explain how to use a tool properly and why it can make a painter’s life easier. Without proper training, a tool might be left unused.
- Streamline your processes. Have an honest look at your existing processes. Are there tasks that take a long time or are highly repetitive? These tasks might benefit from a new approach. For example, different projects might have large surfaces that could easily be supported with a painting solution that can automatically finish these surfaces or use a software system that keeps track of where your equipment is. Remember that small changes saving several minutes each day can save days over the entire year.
- Bring the right PPE. The right personal protection equipment is essential. Make sure you know what PPE is necessary to protect your health. Helmets, safety shoes, eye protection and face masks are just a few examples of PPE to help you out. With PPE, it is worthwhile to invest in high quality gear that also creates as little friction as possible with the work that needs to be done. Poor quality PPE will be more of an annoyance and possibly left unused.
- Assign physical tasks to the right people. In a large study on work ergonomics, one key conclusion was to reduce physically demanding work the older the worker. While older workers generally have more experience, they have a higher risk of suffering from these physically demanding tasks. Ideally, younger workers are assigned to the more physically demanding tasks, while more experienced workers ensure the right tools and techniques are used.
These recommendations serve as a starting point for improving working conditions and enhancing productivity. It's also important to stay informed about the latest tools, techniques, and innovations in the industry.
About ROICO
ROICO has a solution that supports painting in construction boosting productivity, reducing costs, and improving sustainability. We are focused on creating collaborative solutions - these are solutions that can work together with people on-site making their lives easier. Learn more about our solutions by going here.
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