Exoskeleton for flooring installers in Canada

The profession of floor installer is often overlooked, but it is one of the most physically demanding in the construction sector in Canada. Whether it’s hardwood, laminate, vinyl, cork, or engineered wood: no matter the surface being laid, the work is done on the ground. Kneeling. Bent over. For hours on end.

Unlike the tile setter, who works on a hard surface while on their knees, the floating or nailed floor installer often works in an even lower position, sometimes lying flat on their stomach to reach corners or areas under cabinets. These positions, repeated thousands of times over a career, eventually wear out the lower back, knees, and shoulders.

Yet, very few companies in the flooring sector have adopted concrete ergonomic solutions. Knee pads are the norm, but they protect the knees, not the back. This is where exoskeletons come into play.

The specific constraints of the floor layer profession

The floor installer spends most of their day in one of these three positions:

• Flexed position: Kneeling, torso bent forward

• Crouched position: Huddled to work under furniture or in corners

• Supine position: Lying on the side to reach baseboards or hard-to-access areas

In each of these postures, the lower back muscles (erector spinae, quadratus lumborum) are in prolonged contraction or forced stretch. According to the Robert-Sauvé Research Institute in Occupational Health and Safety (IRSST), musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) of the back are one of the leading causes of work stoppages among construction workers in Quebec.

Add to this the frequent movements with heavy loads (vinyl rolls, boxes of hardwood, cutting tools), and you get a high ergonomic risk profile for each workday.

Concrete case: a flooring contractor in Laval

An independent contractor specializing in the installation of hardwood and vinyl flooring primarily works in residences and condominiums in the metropolitan area. His typical projects include complete renovations of living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens, often involving moving and re-laying furniture.

After several years in the profession, he began to experience chronic lower back pain at the end of the day, particularly during extended jobs. His kinesiologist recommended reducing trunk flexion, a recommendation that is difficult to apply when all the installation is done on the ground.

After a two-week trial with the LiftSuit from Exoskeletons Canada, here’s what he observed:

Before, I would finish my long days with a really stiff lower back. Since I started using the LiftSuit, I can work an extra hour without pain.

— Flooring contractor, Laval area

Why the LiftSuit is suitable for this profession

The LiftSuit is a passive exoskeleton; it has no motor or battery. Its mechanism is mechanical: springs and cables transfer part of the load from the lower back muscles to the hips and legs during bending movements. This reduces the effort on the spine without limiting freedom of movement.

For a floor installer, its advantages are particularly relevant:

• Weighs less than 1kg, does not overload the worker who is already carrying tools

• Passive and silent

• Can be put on in less than 30 seconds, suitable for jobs that start early

• Compatible with standard work clothes and knee pads

• Provides support during the frequent transitions between crouching and standing in this profession

Unlike a lumbar belt that compresses and can weaken muscles in the long term, the LiftSuit supports the body's natural movements. It is designed to be worn all day without discomfort.

Knee pads are not enough

Traditional protective equipment for floor installation often consists only of knee pads and sometimes foam knee wedges. These accessories are useful for the knees, but they do not address lower back issues.

However, in practice, it is the lower back that represents the primary cause of early departure from the profession. A floor installer who develops a disc herniation or chronic lower back pain often can no longer work full-time. The human cost is significant, and for contractors employing teams, the costs in replacement and training are substantial as well.

Combining quality knee pads with a LiftSuit protects the two most vulnerable areas in this profession: the knees and the back. A comprehensive approach that extends careers.

Ergonomics and regulations in Canada

In Canada, employers are legally obligated to take reasonable measures to prevent work-related injuries. In Ontario, the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) requires an active approach to preventing ergonomic risks. In Quebec, the OHSA and the guidelines of the CNESST follow the same direction.

The adoption of an exoskeleton can be part of an OHS prevention program and documented as an ergonomic measure. For independent contractors as well as companies employing teams, this represents both legal protection and a strong argument for attracting and retaining skilled workers in a tight labor market.

Conclusion: Invest in the career longevity of your installers

The floor installer is a specialist whose training takes years. Losing a good installer due to chronic back pain means losing a valuable asset, whether for a company or for the worker themselves.

The LiftSuit does not eliminate all physical constraints of the profession, but it significantly reduces the cumulative biomechanical stress that ultimately wears out workers. It is an investment in the longevity of careers and the health of teams.

At Exoskeletons Canada, we support companies and self-employed workers in the assessment and integration of exoskeletons. We offer real-world trials and rental options to test before purchasing.