Ergonomic Assessment: Vimal Singh Assistant Professor Department of Fashion Technology, NIFT, Gandhinagar

Ergonomic Assessment
Presented By:
Vimal Singh
Assistant Professor
Department of Fashion Technology,
NIFT, Gandhinagar
1
SELECTING THE WORKPLACE & POSTURE
• Most of the work in offices as well as in manufacturing

set-ups (such as garment stitching, assembly work and
packaging work, etc.) is done in sitting or standing posture
(Mukund & Subramanya, 2014).
• Working in a sitting posture is preferred over working in a
standing posture as it has some advantages compared to
standing.
• The body is in better comfort because of the available
support from the floor, seat, backrest, arm-rest, and work
surface.
• The type of work and level of mobility required, play a
critical role in deciding the right working posture (Dul &
Weerdmeester, 2008).
2
• Figure may be referred to for the selection of right posture and

accordingly workplace may be developed or arranged.
3
• Posture is often decided by the task or the workplace where or on which

the task needs to be performed.
• Maintaining the right posture while working is very important and to do
this, it’s imperative to work on analyzing the task critically.
• The arrangement of the workplace and/or the workstation should fit the
operator so that the right posture can be maintained (Gunning & Maltby,
2001).
• A logical approach toward posture adjustment is shown in Figure 13.11
4
ERGONOMIC VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT
• There are a number of assessment techniques used by ergonomists for

postural analysis and to check vulnerability.
• Some of these techniques are:
1. RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment)
2. REBA (Rapid Entire Body Assessment)
3. OWAS (Ovako Working Posture Analysis System) (Kee, 2007)
5
RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment)
• Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) is a survey method developed to
measure the exposure of individual workers to risk factors associated
with work-related upper limb disorders (Ansari & Sheikh, 2014).
• RULA provides an easily calculated rating (From Level 1 to Level 4) of
musculo-skeletal loads in tasks where people have a risk of neck and
upper-limb loading.
• The tool provides a single score as a ‘snapshot’ of the task, which is the
rating of the posture, force, and movement required.
• These scores are grouped into four action levels that provide an
indication of the time-frame in which it is reasonable to expect risk
control to be initiated.
6
• The RULA scores (as mentioned in Table 13.7), highlight the urgency of
the need to change how a person is working as a function of the degree of
injury risk.
7
• Such analysis is recommended to be done by trained professionals.
• Precision in body posture measurement is key to any such analysis that
can be done by taking snapshots using photography or videography.
• Calculation of scores and levels can be done manually using standard
formats, where a particular value is assigned to a particular posture
depending on the bend/angle of body parts while doing the work.
• The body parts considered for assessment are firstly arms & wrists and
secondly neck, trunk & leg (just to check for support to leg while
working).
• A higher score and level indicates an increased vulnerability and
highlights the need for posture improvement.
• The same may be achieved by either developing improved method,
improved equipment and/or by correcting the posture while working.
8
• RULA employee assessment worksheet
9
• The RULA was designed for easy use without need for an advanced
degree in ergonomics or expensive equipment.
• Using the RULA worksheet, the evaluator will assign a score for each of
the following body regions: upper arm, lower arm, wrist, neck, trunk, and
legs.
• 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.
10
Getting Ready
• The evaluator should prepare for the assessment by interviewing the
worker being evaluated to gain an understanding of the job tasks and
demands, and observing the worker’s movements and postures during
several work cycles.
• Selection of the postures to be evaluated should be based on:
1. The most difficult postures and work tasks (based on worker
interview and initial observation),
2. The posture sustained for the longest period of time, or
3. The posture where the highest force loads occur.
11
Getting Ready
• The RULA can be conducted quickly, so multiple positions and tasks
within the work cycle can usually be evaluated without a significant time
and effort.
• When using RULA, only the right or left side is assessed at a time.
• After interviewing and observing the worker, the evaluator can determine
if only one arm should be evaluated or if an assessment is needed for
both sides.
12
Using the RULA – Example
• The RULA worksheet is divided into two body segment sections on the
labeled A and B.
• Section A (left side) covers the arm and wrist.
• Section B (right side) covers the neck, trunk and legs.
• This segmenting of the worksheet ensures that any awkward or
constrained postures of the neck, trunk or legs which might influence the
postures of the arms and wrist are included in the assessment.
• The evaluator should score Group A (Arm & Wrist) postures first, then
score Group B (Neck, Trunk & Legs) postures for left and right.
• For each region, there is a posture scoring scale and additional
adjustments outlined on the worksheet which need to be considered and
accounted for in the score.
13
Steps 1-4: Right Arm & Wrist Analysis
14
Steps 1-4: Right Arm & Wrist Analysis
15
Note:
• In step 1, a +3 score was used for upper arm position (45+ degrees).
• For step 2, a +2 score was given for the lower arm position (15 degrees),
and +1 was added for ulnar deviation.
• The step 4 wrist score is +2 because the wrist is twisted near the end
range. Each score should be circled on Table A.
16
Steps 5-8: Calculate the score for Group A as outlined below:
17
Step 5: Using values from steps 1-4, locate the score for this step in table
A.
Step 6: Add the muscle use score to this box. In this example, the posture is
not sustained for more than 10 minutes, and not repeated 4x per
minute. Therefore, the score is 0.
Step 7: In this example, the load is greater than 4.4 lbs. and repeated.
Therefore, the score is +2.
Step 8: Add the values in steps 5-7 to obtain the Wrist / Arm Score.
18
RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment)`
19
• Steps 9-11: Neck, Trunk and Leg Analysis
20
Note:
• In step 9, a +3 score was used for the neck position (>20 degrees).
• The step 10 score is +1 due to a trunk position of 0-20 degrees.
• Each score should then be circled on Table B
21
Steps 12-15: Calculate the total score for Group B as outlined below:
22
Step 12: Using values from steps 9-11, locate the score for this step in table B.
Step 13: Add the muscle use score to this box. In this example, the posture is
not sustained for more than 10 minutes, and not repeated 4x per
minute. Therefore, the score is 0.
Step 14: In this example, the load is greater than 4.4 lbs. and repeated.
Therefore, the score is +2.
Step 15: Add the values in steps 12-14 to obtain the Neck, Trunk, & Leg
Group B Score.
23
Determine Final RULA Score:
• Use Table C to determine the final RULA score as shown below.
24
Determine Final RULA Score:
• Final RULA Score = 7
• In this example, the final RULA score of 7 indicates high risk and calls for
engineering and/or work method changes to reduce or eliminate MSD risk .
25
Implemented ergonomic improvements:
• The assembly process was changed to install the access plate prior to riveting
the can together.
• A fixture was fabricated to hold the can open while the access plate is being
installed.
• A straight or “in-line” pneumatic screw driver (on a tool balancer) is now used
to improve upper extremity work postures and eliminate the force required.
• A follow-up analysis using the RULA worksheet was performed upon
completion of this ergonomic process and tool improvement.
• When using the new work process and tools, the RULA total score is reduced
from 7 to 1.
26
REBA (Rapid Entire Body Assessment)
• The REBA (Rapid Entire Body Assessment) technique is a postural

analyses system for musculoskeletal risks while working in different
postures (Ansari & sheikh, 2014).
• While RULA is applicable only to the upper part of the body, the
REBA system includes the entire body, such as the upper arms, lower
arms, wrists, trunk, neck, and legs.
• The method reflects the extent of external load/force exerted, muscle
activity caused by static, dynamic, rapidly changing, or unstable
postures, and the coupling effect.
27
• REBA technique is used for entire body postures as it covers leg movements
also.
• For analyses, photographs or video of posture while working may be taken.
• Specific values (refer to Figure 13.13) are assigned during – Neck, Trunk,
and Leg analyses; and Arm and Wrist analyses.
• Some factors, such as twist, load, level of gripping/handle, and activity
(range and frequency) are also considered in calculating the final REBA
score.
• Like RULA scores and levels, in REBA also, a higher score and level
indicates an increased vulnerability and highlights the need for posture
improvement.
28
• This ergonomic assessment tool uses a systematic process to evaluate whole
body postural MSD and risks associated with job tasks.
• A single page worksheet is used to evaluate required or selected body
posture, forceful exertions, type of movement or action, repetition, and
coupling.
29
• REBA assessment sheet
30
• The REBA was designed for easy use without the need for an advanced
degree in ergonomics or expensive equipment.
• It only needs the worksheet and a pen.
• Using the REBA worksheet, the evaluator will assign a score 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.
31
• Getting Ready
• The evaluator should prepare for the assessment by interviewing the
worker being evaluated to gain an understanding of the job tasks and
demands, and by observing the worker’s movements and postures
during several work cycles.
• Selection of the postures to be evaluated should be based on:
• The most difficult postures and work tasks (based on worker
interview and initial observation),
• The posture sustained for the longest period of time, or
• The posture where the highest force loads occur.
32
• The REBA can be conducted quickly, so multiple positions and tasks
within the work cycle can usually be evaluated without a significant
time/effort cost.
• When using REBA, only the right or left side is assessed at a time.
• After interviewing and observing the worker the evaluator can
determine if only one arm should be evaluated, or if an assessment is
needed for both sides.
33
Using the REBA – Example
• The REBA worksheet is divided into two body segment sections on the
labeled A and B.
• Section A (left side) covers the neck, trunk, and leg.
• Section B (right side) covers the arm and wrist.
• This segmenting of the worksheet ensures that any awkward or
constrained postures of the neck, trunk or legs which might influence
the postures of the arms and wrist are included in the assessment.
• Score Group A (Trunk, Neck, and Legs) postures first, then score Group
B (Upper Arms, Lower Arms, and Wrists) postures for left and right.
• For each region, there is a posture scoring scale and additional
adjustments which need to be considered and accounted for in the score.
34
Steps 1-3: Neck, Trunk, and Leg Analysis
35
36
Note:
In step 2, a +2 score was used for trunk position (0-20 degrees) and +1
was added for the side bending adjustment (when viewed from
behind, the worker was left side bending approximately 10
degrees) for a total score of +3.
37
Steps 4-6: Calculate the score for Group A as outlined below:
38
Step 4: Using values from steps 1-3, locate the score for this step in table A.
Step 5: Add the force score to this box. In this case, the weight of the
component part inserted by the worker is 11.5 lbs. Therefore, the
score for this step is +1.
Step 6: Add the values in step 4 and 5 to obtain score A. Find row for Score
A
in Table C and circle value.
39
Steps 7-9: Right Arm and Wrist Analysis
40
41
Note:
In step 7 the right upper arm is raised more than 90 degrees for a score of
+4, a total adjustment of +2 is added because the shoulder is raised
(+1) and the upper arm is abducted (+1) for a total score of +6.
In step 8, a +2 score was used due to the arm position outside of the neutral
range. In step 9, a twisting adjustment of +1 was added to the
position score of +2 for a total wrist score of +3.
42
Steps 10-13: Calculate the score for Group B as outlined below:
43
Step 10: Using values from steps 7-9, locate the posture score for this step in
table B.
Step 11: Add the coupling score. In this case, the coupling is considered fair
(+1).
Step 12: First, add the values in step 10 and 11 to obtain score B. Next, find
column in Table C and match with Score A in row from step 6 to
obtain Table C Score.
Step 13: The Activity Score is +1 due to job requiring small range actions
(more than 4x per minute).
44
• The Final REBA Score = Table C Score + Activity Score
• Final REBA Score = 9
• In this case, the final REBA score of 9 indicates high risk and calls for
further investigation and engineering and/or work method changes to
reduce or eliminate MSD risk.
• After further investigation, it was determined by the worker and the
department group leader that a different method could be used to perform
this task.
45
• Before/After pictures and new REBA results below:
• A follow-up analysis using the REBA worksheet was performed.

• Using the new work method, the final REBA score was reduced from 9 to
4.
46
Ovako Working Posture Analyzing System
• Ovako working posture analyzing system OWAS (Ovako Working
Posture Analyzing System) method was developed in the mid-1970s.
• and is one of the simpler observation methods for postural analysis
(Caputo & Marzano, 2006).
• The OWAS method has proved to function well in practice and it has been
fruitful in achieving improvements in the work system and in preventing
health problems.
• This method is easily adaptable to daily workplace analysis and is
capable of evaluating numerous postures at a variety of workplaces.
• The OWAS method can be used to standardize ergonomic evaluation of
the postural load and improvements and planning of workplaces, work
methods, tools, and machines.
47
• When using the OWAS method in job analysis, the job is usually divided
into tasks.
• By analyzing the working postures at all the tasks, the whole posture
analysis of a job is carried out based on the OWAS action categories
mentioned in Table 13.9.
48
• Schematic view of the OWAS analyzing system has been shown in Table
13.10.
49
• Vulnerability assessment using OWAS may be conducted where an
operator does sewing work, for example, vulnerability assessment while
picking up the panel (Posture while picking up a panel).
• Respective OWAS categories and OWAS scores for postural assessment

may be referred from Table 13.8 and Table 13.9.
50
THANKS…
51

Ergonomic Assessment: Vimal Singh Assistant Professor Department of Fashion Technology, NIFT, Gandhinagar

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Ergonomic Assessment: Vimal Singh Assistant Professor Department of Fashion Technology, NIFT, Gandhinagar

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Ergonomic Assessment

• Most of the work in offices as well as in manufacturing

• Figure may be referred to for the selection of right posture and

• Posture is often decided by the task or the workplace where or on which

• There are a number of assessment techniques used by ergonomists for

• The REBA (Rapid Entire Body Assessment) technique is a postural

• A follow-up analysis using the REBA worksheet was performed.

• Respective OWAS categories and OWAS scores for postural assessment

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