by Jennifer Mapes-Christ
October 15, 2024
An ergonomically designed tool also needs to be a well-balanced power with proper weight distribution.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Labor Force Statistics from the Current Population Survey tracks the median age of employed workers in various industries. In this survey, the median age represents the midpoint in the age distribution such that half of workers are younger and half are older. In 2023, for the construction industry, that was 41.9. That survey also showed that 21% of employed construction workers were 55 and older. While this represents a slight dip from the 2020 peak when 23% of employed construction workers were aged 55 and older, it is still well above recent historical trends. In 2003, only 12% of employed construction workers were 55 and older.
Overall, many types of construction jobs are physically demanding. Therefore, an older workforce creates special challenges for an industry in need of keeping more workers – including older skilled workers – on the job. Power tool manufacturers are faced with a unique challenge: How do we design tools that extend the working lives of our aging workforce while maintaining efficiency and safety?
Power tool manufacturers are addressing this challenge with product innovations, in areas such as:
Grips
Well-designed grips are key to improved ergonomics in power tools. For instance, Milwaukee’s M12 fuel jig saw features a barrel handle meant for a more comfortable grip. Others have used softer materials. This isn't just about comfort—it's about reducing strain on hands and wrists, allowing older workers to work longer with less fatigue and risk of injury. Additional innovations could come from adapting to individual users with adjustable features and customizable options.
Weight
By leveraging advanced materials and efficient motor designs, manufacturers are reducing tool weight without compromising performance. However, weight-related ergonomics is about more than designing to have a few less ounces than previous power tool generation. An ergonomically designed tool also needs to be a well-balanced power with proper weight distribution. This makes them easier to handle, particularly when the power tool is used for extended periods of time, allowing workers to maintain productivity without increasing physical strain.
Vibration Reduction
Long-term exposure to tool vibration can lead to serious health issues, a risk that increases with age. Many tool companies are addressing it with designs intended to limit vibration during operation. Makita's Advanced Anti-Vibration Technology (AVT) in rotary hammers uses a 3-component system: air actuated counterbalance, vibration absorbing housing, and an integrated damper spring. Companies also use vibration dampening as a differentiating factor. For example, Milwaukee Tool’s M18 Fuel 5-inch random orbital sander (coming soon) claims that it will deliver the lowest cordless vibration at 12,000 OPM. By significantly reducing vibration, these tools not only improve immediate comfort but also decrease the risk of long-term health problems for aging users.
Illumination
As we age, our eyesight often diminishes, especially for detail work. Recognizing this, companies like Bosch are integrating LED lights into their cordless tools, ensuring that work areas are well-illuminated. This addition can improve safety and accuracy in precise tool use applications and when used in low-light areas in particular. Those of us who have ever turned on our cellphone flashlights to read a restaurant menu will understand the benefit here.
The Bottom Line
These power tool innovations not only enable older workers to continue working but would also make the trades less physically demanding on younger workers too. Benefits include reducing job site injury and repetitive task strain and reducing workers’ compensation claim costs while keeping workers productive on the job with fewer days off.
For more information about trends and opportunities, see related industry reports such as Power Tools, Global Power Tools, Hand Tools, and Tool Storage Products, as well as Freedonia’s white paper Addressing Labor Challenges and Driving Growth in the Construction Industry.
About the blogger:
Jennifer Mapes-Christ is the Manager of Consumer & Commercial Goods for Freedonia Industry Studies and Food & Beverage Research for Packaged Facts.
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