Using REBA and Posture Assessment
Abstract
The purpose of this investigation is to practice the use of the REBA Assessment in ErgoMaster, the Posture Assessment in ERGO and the CTD Checklist. This was achieved by observing a worker performing a task and using the computer software and worksheets. As a result of the investigation we can investigate the strain on the worker.
Introduction
The problem investigated in this lab assessing a worker’s posture in the workplace using the CTD Checklist, the REBA and the Posture Assessment. This problem is important because the information from these charts can prevent work related injuries and can also increase the productivity of the worker. After observing a worker in her workplace, the checklists were used and it was found that the most strain was on the worker’s back, and arms.
Materials and Methods
The materials necessary to complete this experiment include: Ergo REBA, a Cumulative Trauma Checklist, and the ErgoMaster Posture Assessment.
This experiment entails the following procedure:
- A worker was observed in her workstation.
- Digital Pictures were taken of the worker in her workstation.
- The REBA, the Cumulative Trauma Checklist and the Posture Assessment were filled out and analyzed.
Results
Appendix A, the REBA, shows the assessment of the strain on the body caused by posture. The highest score was a 4 during Task 1, meaning the posture during this task have a medium risk and action is necessary, found on the truck and leg. Body parts receiving a 3 have a low risk level and may require some action; these include group A positions in Task 2. The Cumulative Trauma Checklist, seen in Appendix B shows the effort, continuous effort time, effort/minute, and priority for change of the worker’s body parts. In Task 1 the back, neck/shoulders and arms/elbows were given the highest priority for this experiment, which was “moderate”. In Task 2 the arms/elbows were given the highest priority for this experiment, which was “high”. The problems due to the worker’s posture were analyzed in the Posture Assessment, Appendix C. The Forward Flexion of the trunk was severe and the Forward Flexion in the Head and Neck were moderate in Task 1. All Postures in Task 2 were optimal.
Discussion
The Cumulative Trauma Checklist provides specific information about what body parts are most affected and how important change is for each area. It considers effort exerted, amount of time effort is exerted over, how many efforts are exerted per minute and then rates then prioritizes the efforts for each body part, giving a clear indication of which body parts are problem areas. This is a simple assessment that provides relevant, comprehensive information. The posture assessment describes the severity of body posture problems, but does not take into consideration cumulative trauma. It measures the body angles and rates the severity of the problem based on the angle. The workstation can then be altered to correct any severe problems. Using photographs this is also a relatively simple assessment. The REBA collects information about the task and assesses how important change is to the safety of the worker using a simple survey.
Task 1 could be improved by using machines to lift items from the floor or changing the workstation so that items were not stored at floor level. These changes would reduce the strain on the back and legs during lifting. Task 2 could be improved by reducing the load on the arms. Considering the continuous effort time in this task, the load is heavy so reducing weight or size of the load or using a cart to carry the load from one table to the other would reduce the strain on the arms.
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