An observational method for classifying exposure to repetitive movements of the upper limbs

Health and safety at work directly influence the development of sustainable agriculture. In the agricultural sector, many farm workers suffer musculoskeletal disorders caused by forced posture. The objective of this research is to assess working postures during melon cultivation in Almería-type greenhouses. The Ovako Working Posture Assessment System (OWAS) has been used with pictures of the tasks. The variables studied by multiple correspondence analysis were as follows: Subtask, Posture code, Back, Arms, Legs, Load, Risk, and Risk combination. The OWAS analysis showed that 47.57% of the postures were assessed as risk category 2, 14.32% as risk category 3, 0.47% as risk category 4, and the rest as risk category 1. Corrective measures should be implemented immediately, as soon as possible, or in the near future, depending on the risks detected.

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“…Apart from OWAS, there are many other semi-direct methods like the RULA Method [65], OCRA Method [69], REBA Method [70], VIRA Method [71], etc.…”

Section: Methods For Assessing the Postural Loadmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessment of Postural Load during Melon Cultivation in Mediterranean Greenhouses

et al. 2018

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“…The latter is counted from observed actions multiplied by weights given for the following factors: muscle force, posture of the parts of the upper limb, lack of recovery periods, the daily duration of the repetitive work, and "additional factors". A simplified OCRA checklist is intended for use as a preliminary screening tool (92)(93)(94)(95). OCRA has shown moderate correspondence with ACGIH HAL and the strain index (63,96).…”

Section: Occupational Repetitive Actions (Ocra)mentioning

confidence: 99%

Systematic evaluation of observational methods assessing biomechanical exposures at work

Takala¹,

Pehkonen²,

Forsman³

et al. 2009

Scand J Work Environ Health

465

353

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Objectives This systematic review aimed to identify published observational methods assessing biomechanical exposures in occupational settings and evaluate them with reference to the needs of different users. MethodsWe searched scientific databases and the internet for material from 1965 to September 2008. Methods were included if they were primarily based on the systematic observation of work, the observation target was the human body, and the method was clearly described in the literature. A systematic evaluation procedure was developed to assess concurrent and predictive validity, repeatability, and aspects related to utility. At least two evaluators independently carried out this evaluation. ResultsWe identified 30 eligible observational methods. Of these, 19 had been compared with some other method(s), varying from expert evaluation to data obtained from video recordings or through the use of technical instruments. Generally, the observations showed moderate-to-good agreement with the corresponding assessments made from video recordings; agreement was the best for large-scale body postures and work actions. Postures of wrist and hand as well as trunk rotation seemed to be more difficult to observe correctly. Intra-and inter-observer repeatability were reported for 7 and 17 methods, respectively, and were judged mostly to be moderate or good.good. . ConclusionsWith training, observers can reach consistent results on clearly visible body postures and work activities. Many observational tools exist, but none evaluated in this study appeared to be generally superior. When selecting a method, users should define their needs and assess how results will influence decision-making.

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“…Whole-body observation methods generally assess the load in the low back, shoulders, and lower extremities. These methods may, however, lack the assessment of hands and wrists [11,12], or it is done by observing wrist angles [13,14,15,16], which has been found to be challenging, especially in fast-changing tasks such as kitchen work [17,18]. The type of grip has been accounted for in a few studies only [17,18,19].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Video-Based Observation Method to Assess Musculoskeletal Load in Kitchen Work

Pehkonen

Ketola

Ranta

et al. 2009

International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics

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An observational method for classifying exposure to repetitive movements of the upper limbs

Cited by 92 publications

References 12 publications

Assessment of Postural Load during Melon Cultivation in Mediterranean Greenhouses

Assessment of Postural Load during Melon Cultivation in Mediterranean Greenhouses

Systematic evaluation of observational methods assessing biomechanical exposures at work

A Video-Based Observation Method to Assess Musculoskeletal Load in Kitchen Work

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