Ergonomics Measurement Tools

For every project, a COPE ergonomist will conduct a survey of the working environment. The survey takes into account every element that may cause risk to the worker’s ability to perform.

Risk Analysis Tools

An ergonomist will use whatever risk analysis tool is appropriate given time, budget and the risk(s) being assessed. What is suitable for a chemical factory environment is different from a breakers yard, for example

Postural Assessment tools may include RULA, REBA (see below)

Exposure checks can be used such as QEC (Quick Exposure Check)

Workload evaluation e.g. RIAT (Role Intervention Assessment Tool)

Force tools include measurement both simply (weights and measures) and in more complex situations with goniometry and biomechanics calculators such as the NIOSH lifting equation

Physical Environment measurement is specialised; especially lighting, noise, thermal environments or storage and movement of chemicals (COSHH).

Stress and organisational elements as well as staff perceptions can be canvassed using questionnaire techniques and models such as SF36

The HSE recommends a number of tools for prioritising later assessments or areas for study such as HSG60 regarding upper limbs and the MAC tool in relation to Manual Handling.

RULA & REBA

These well-known risk analysis tools, RULA and REBA, are used throughout the world and are now industry standard. They were designed by COPE’s founding director, Dr Lynn McAtamney in conjunction with Professor Nigel Corlett and Sue Hignett respectively.

RULA and REBA are risk analysis tools targeted at a worker’s environment that quickly assesses risk to their performance. The assessor allocates a score to a comprehensive list including:

• Posture
• Repetition
• Muscle loading
• Joint angles

The lowest score indicates no intervention is required. Once the charts are completed, the tool is designed to indicate possible ergonomics interventions to lower the score. The suggested interventions are prioritised in order of "most gain" vs "least cost" making it ideal for limited budgets. A COPE ergonomist will assist in implementing the interventions, if required.

The beauty of RULA and REBA is they can be conducted, with training, by non-ergonomists, releasing valuable funds for areas where a professional ergonomist is essential. A “before and after” picture will prove how the intervention has been effective. There are other tools used which take longer and give more in depth analysis but these can only be conducted by a trained ergonomist.

Rapid Upper Limb Assessment

Target areas: postures of the neck, trunk and upper limbs.
Score range : 1 - 7

RULA is quick postural targeting method where work-related upper limb disorders have been reported such as neck pain, wrist pain, etc. No special equipment is required.

It is of particular assistance in fulfilling the assessment requirements of both the European Community Directive (90/270/EEC) on the minimum safety and health requirements for work with display screen equipment and the UK Guidelines on the prevention of work-related upper limb disorders.

Rapid Entire Body Assessment

Target areas: neck, trunk upper and lower limbs.
Score range : 0 - 4

This is a survey method developed for use in ergonomics investigations of workplaces where work-related entire body disorders are reported. No special equipment is required to conduct a quick assessment of the postures of the neck, upper trunk and lower limbs.