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When talking to a table manufacturer about weight
issues, Zackary Van Valkenburg, sales executive at
Stronglite LLC, Salt Lake City, Utah, suggests massage
therapists ask this question: “What vocabulary are you
using?” Typically, he adds, there are three main terms
common in the industry when it comes to weighing in
on massage tables:
- STATIC WEIGHT: The amount of weight that can be placed
on the table without it breaking. The catch, Van Valkenburg
says, is that the weight is not moving and is added
on progressively and gently.
- WORKING WEIGHT: The amount of moving weight that
can be placed on the table without it breaking. For example,
says Van Valkenburg, the Classic Deluxe Stronglite
table has a static weight of 3,200 pounds but a working
weight of 800 pounds.
- DROP TEST WEIGHT: “Ask for clarification when this
term is used,” says Van Valkenburg. To some companies,
drop test weight refers to the amount of weight
dropped from six inches above the center of the table,
centered on the hinge, which is the weakest point of
the table. The table passes if it holds without cracking.
Other companies, he adds, claim to use a drop test,
but drop the weight over a table leg or on an end rail,
which are some of the strongest points of the table.
Avoiding Liablility
In today’s lawsuit-prone society, the reality is that
you could be sued by a client for any number of reasons. One good way to
avoid potential lawsuits is to make sure your equipment and work space
are in order and taken care of properly. Should an unexpected event occur,
however, you should immediately ??le an incident report with your insurance
agent, advises Shari Pataky, assistant vice president and account executive
at Aon Af??nity Insurance Services Inc.
Some basic things to keep in mind:
- Inspect the table you are using daily, whether it is one you own or one
your employer owns.
- Make sure the table is located on a level surface.
- Do not borrow or use another person’s table, as you may not be informed
of the age, strength and stability.
- Make sure the height of the table is right for you.
- Assess how your workplace is set up. Are hallways or aisles clear? Are
floors kept clean? Are there sharp objects or edges exposed?
- Be realistic with your workload. Poorly planned or overly stressful work
schedules make for practitioners who are tired and less alert on the job.
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American Massage Therapy Association®
