PRODUCT DESIGN TO IMPROVE WORK SYSTEMS IN ROAD CONSTRUCTION
ViVA helped create more efficient systems of work in road construction maintenance tasks.
PROJECT LEAD
PROJECT TEAM
Solo
PARTNERED WITH
Software Solutions, ErgoAnalyst, and Kockum’s Engineering
Context
Road pavement construction and maintenance are critical to infrastructure, enabling transportation, commerce, and connectivity. Laying highway roads to meet government specifications is labour-intensive, requiring manual and mechanical interventions to manage high-risk environments. Road crew and construction management often accept the difficult work conditions without investigating new systems of work to improve these conditions.
Challenge
Road construction projects require BiTac® tape to seal structural joints in asphalt mats, often laid over extensive distances on highway roads. Workers faced extreme risks of acute and cumulative musculoskeletal injuries due to exertion exposures, awkward postures, and repetitive motions, impacting their efficiency and safety.
Approach
ViVA consulted with road crew to understand their needs and user applications when laying BiTac® tape in different scenarios. They researched options and elected to custom design an equipment solution to this manual task, with iterative design trials in the field. ViVA worked with the crew, safety officers, project managers, and equpiment mechanical engineers.
Outcomes
The team developed a custom three-wheeled trolley through consultation and a participative design process involving workers, engineers, and the lead ergonomist. This reduced physical strain and safety risks while working around live traffic and mobile plant,. Additionally, it significantly improved work efficiencies and optimised workflows. The custom trolley reduced acute musculoskeletal risks by up to 65%, and workers were proud to be part of the solution.