Achi news desk-
Quebec’s Atwill-Morin uses a modern tool to make the ancient trade of masonry and cement work a little easier.
The company has worked on some of Canada’s largest job sites and also operates a construction school to give apprentices a safe place to learn.
Apprentices don’t just learn the trade here – they wear exoskeletons, advanced technology, to ease the physical strain.
“It’s a tough business because there are a lot of heavy loads that need to be lifted. So we’re talking about stone. We’re talking about blocks and bricks. And it’s not just a day-to-day thing. It’s a career that can be 20 years plus of lifting heavy loads, aches and pains in the lower back.” said Matthew Atwill-Morin, the company’s president.
The exoskeleton is worn from head to toe and fits according to size. It’s a game changer, said journeyman Jacob Saint Laurent.
“It feels great. It’s really light and it helps me pick things up off the ground,” he explained.
Initially developed for soldiers serving in Afghanistan, this technology is making its way to construction sites.
Exoskeletons make work easier and can reduce back injuries (CTV News)Each kit costs thousands of dollars, but it makes good business sense in the long run, according to Matthew Atwill-Morin, because it keeps employees healthy and makes them more productive.
“It’s the chronic pain that we’re trying to get rid of. I mean the long-term injuries that come from overuse, it comes from the fact that you’re repeating the same movements for years and years and years,” he said.
And for larger tasks, a mechanical arm does all the heavy lifting, allowing the builder to focus on the job.
A mechanical arm lifts the heaviest loads (CTV News)
It also means fewer workers are needed to complete the work. For example, it is now possible to perform a two-person operation of building a wall alone.
“With this tool, well, it’s a one-person job now. And not only is it a one-person job, but it’s easy for one person to do,” Atwill-Morin said.
The new equipment comes with the blessing of the unions and the government.
Atwill-Morin said it will soon be common on most job sites.
Bricklayer Jean-Marc Stallandt said it not only made his work easier but also allowed his home life to flourish.
“I’m less tired on Friday. I have more energy to do things myself, and I’m not, ‘Oh honey, I can’t go out tonight, my back hurts,'” he said.
