Ergonomic risk assessments are an objective measure of ergonomic risk in your workplace. Applying a scientific approach to your ergonomics process is important. The goal is to identify ergonomic risk factors, quantify then, and then make measurable improvements to the work environment — all accomplished through the use of the following ergonomic assessment tools.
Ergonomics as a process
The benefits of ergonomics are well documented — but those benefits are only realized when you can systematically make workplace improvements. That’s an important point to remember as you digest the following material on conducting ergonomic assessments. Ergonomic assessments are useful, but improvements are where the long term benefits of an ergonomics process are realized.
The ergonomic assessment tools
Following are the ergonomic assessment tools we recommend and use for clients. The tools were developed based on objective research by organizations such as the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, among others. We have created step-by-guides to lead you through conducting ergonomic assessments with each tool. We’ve also included a detailed, real-world example for each tool.
NIOSH Lifting Equation
Developed by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries and based on NIOSH research related to the primary causes of back injuries, this lifting calculator can be used to perform ergonomic risk assessments on a wide variety of manual lifting and lowering tasks, and can be also used as a screening tool to identify lifting tasks which should be analyzed further using the more comprehensive NIOSH Lifting Equation.
For more, read
- A Step-by-Step Guide to Using the NIOSH Lifting Equation for Single Tasks and
- A Step-by-Step Guide to Using the NIOSH Lifting Equation for Multiple Tasks.
Source: Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA)
This tool uses a systematic process to evaluate whole body postural MSD and ergonomic design risks associated with job tasks. A single page form is used to evaluate required body posture, forceful exertions, type of movement or action, repetition, and coupling. A score is assigned for each of the following body regions: wrists, forearms, elbows, shoulders, neck, trunk, back, legs and knees. After the data for each region is collected and scored, tables on the form are then used to compile the risk factor variables, generating a single score that represents the level of MSD risk.
(For more, read A Step-by-Step Guide to the REBA Assessment Tool.)
Source: Hignett and McAtamney, 2000
Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA)
This diagnostic tool assesses biomechanical and postural load requirements of job tasks/demands on the neck, trunk and upper extremities. A single page form is used to evaluate required body posture, force, and repetition. Based on the evaluations, scores are entered for each body region in section A for the arm and wrist, and section B for the neck and trunk. After the data for each region is collected and scored, tables on the form are then used to compile the risk factor variables, generating a single score that represents the level of MSD risk.
(For more, read A Step-by-Step Guide to the RULA Assessment Tool.)
Source: McAtamney & Corlett, Applied Ergonomics 1993, 24(2), 91-99
Liberty Mutual Manual Material Handling Tables (Snook Tables)
The Liberty Mutual MMH Tables (commonly known as Snook Tables) outline design goals for various lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, and carrying tasks based on research by Dr. Stover Snook and Dr. Vincent Ciriello at the Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety. The tables provide weight/force values, for specific types of tasks that are deemed to be acceptable to a defined percentage of the population. This is done by comparing data for each of the specific manual handling tasks against the appropriate table.
(For more, read Using the SNOOK Tables – A Step-by-Step Guide.)
Source: Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety
Washington State Ergonomic and MSD Risk Assessment Checklist
This tool is designed to evaluate ergonomic risks factors including awkward postures, highly repetitive motions, high hand force, repeated impacts, lifting, and hand-arm vibration. The Caution Zone Checklist is used as a screening tool. If there are no positive findings identified, the job is regarded to be safe; otherwise a moderate risk is indicated and the job should be evaluated further using the Hazard Zone Checklist. Positive findings with the Hazard Zone Checklist indicate immediate actions should be taken to reduce the risk.
Source: Washington State Department of Labor and Industries