Influences on the use of observational methods by practitioners when identifying risk factors in physical work

Abstract

Most observational methods for musculoskeletal disorder risk assessment have been developed by researchers to be applied in specific situations, and practitioners could find difficulties in their use in real work conditions. The main objective of this study was to identify the factors which have an influence on how useful the observational techniques are perceived to be by practitioners and to what extent these factors influence their perception. A survey was conducted on practitioners regarding the problems normally encountered when implementing these methods, as well as the perceived overall utility of these techniques. The results show that practitioners place particular importance on the support the methods provide in making decisions regarding changes in work systems and how applicable they are to different types of jobs. The results of this study can serve as guide to researchers for the development of new assessment techniques that are more useful and applicable in real work situations. PRACTITIONER SUMMARYA survey about the use of ergonomics assessment methods for identifying risk factors in physical work was conducted among practitioners. The reasons to find a method more or less useful were analyzed. The support the methods provide in making decisions regarding changes in work systems and how applicable they are to different types of jobs were found to be the main reasons.3

Postural Risk Assessment of Small-Scale Debarkers for Wooden Post Production

“…In contrast, the OWAS method covers both the upper and lower body, and is relatively simple to apply [13]. Furthermore, OWAS is among the most widespread methods used to assess postural risk, which facilitates the comparison of study results with the data reported in the available literature on the subject [14]. The OWAS method is highly reliable [15] and it has been shown to match or surpass the performance of other newer and more detailed postural assessment methods [16].…”

Ergonomic diagnosis of postural changes and ergonomic risk assessment of a left-handed user in the operation of a drill press, using the REBA, RULA and OCRA Checklist methods

“…Además, para Pedro (2016) y Asensio et al (2012), los métodos de evaluación ergonómica (MEE) se centralizan en la observación de determinados factores como lo son las elevaciones de cargas, las posturas forzadas o la repetitividad de movimientos. De acuerdo con Diego et al (2015), el método RULA permiten evaluar posturas forzadas; según Malchaire et al (2011), los movimientos repetitivos se evalúan con el método OCRA; y, de acuerdo a Diego (2015), el método REBA es el adecuado.…”

Prototype System for Measuring and Analyzing Movements of the Upper Limb for the Detection of Occupational Hazards

“…This assessment will depend on the type of work performed and its associated risks. The International Ergonomics Association (IEA) and the ISO Technical Committee on Musculoskeletal Disorders have defined a general model, validated by the International Commission on Occupational Health (ICOH), of the main risk factors that should be considered, presenting observation procedures that can be used in their description, classification and evaluation [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ]. Among the most common actions in the workplace are: repetitive work, manual handling of loads, forced postures, and application of force [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ].…”

“…Among the most common actions in the workplace are: repetitive work, manual handling of loads, forced postures, and application of force [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ]. This study focuses on evaluation methods for repetitive work and forced postures, since this is where a movement capture system can have the greatest influence: Repetitive movements: The OCRA method (OCcupational Repetitive Action) is the method proposed for a detailed evaluation of work where repetitive movements of the upper limb exist, associating the level of risk with the predictability of the appearance of a disorder in a given time [ 8 , 9 , 10 ]. This method of evaluation considers different factors such as recovery periods, frequency of actions, use of force, presence of uncomfortable postures, and additional factors such as vibrations or inadequate equipment.…”