scholarly journals Systematic Comparison of OWAS, RULA, and REBA Based on a Literature Review

Author(s):  
Dohyung Kee

This study aimed to systematically compare three representative observational methods for assessing musculoskeletal loadings and their association with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs): Ovako Working Posture Analysis System (OWAS), Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA). The comparison was based on a literature review without time limitations and was conducted on various factors related to observational methods. The comparisons showed that although it has a significant limitation of comprising only two classifications for the leg postures, (1) the RULA is the most frequently used method among the three techniques; (2) many studies adopted the RULA even in evaluation of unstable lower limb postures; (3) the RULA assessed postural loads as higher risk levels in most studies reviewed in this research; (4) the intra- and inter-reliabilities for the RULA were not low; and (5) the risk levels assessed by the RULA were more significantly associated with postural load criteria such as discomfort, MHTs and % capable at the trunk, and MSDs.

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (24) ◽  
pp. 9124
Author(s):  
Darko Drašković ◽  
Petr Průša ◽  
Svetlana Čičević ◽  
Stefan Jovčić

In today’s business world, there are two very important health issues that the employees in the service sector are faced with: Spinal disease, especially in the lower back, and carpal tunnel syndrome. These are well-known musculoskeletal disorders. To preserve the health of its employees and prevent professional illnesses, and to thus maximize their efficiency, companies must use knowledge from the field of ergonomics. This study aims to examine the work-related health problems that the workers in transportation companies are faced with. As a case study, a postal company from Serbia is considered, with particular attention paid to the counter clerks. The research was carried out in one branch of the postal operator. All six postal clerks working at the considered branch were subjects of the study. The workers were observed visually by the researchers and recorded while performing their job tasks. Based on the analysis of their movements and body positions, the evaluation of their level of risk exposure was determined using the Ergo Fellow software, specifically with five packages within this program (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment, Rapid Entire Body Assessment, Ovako working posture analysis system, Moore and Garg, and Suzanne Rodgers). As a result of the implemented tools, the analysts are in a position to conclude what should be changed in the work organization.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 149
Author(s):  
Andika Herianto Simarmata ◽  
Kralawi Sita ◽  
Totok Herwanto ◽  
Ahmad Thoriq

<p><em>Application of tea harvest mechanization can increase work productivity, cost efficiency, and reduce the amount of starch loss in tea leaves. The problem is that the harvester machines that are operated in most tea plantations in Indonesia are imported. The harvester machine operators have the potential to experience skeletal, muscular, and peripheral nerve disorders called Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). This study aims to evaluate the design of the type GT 120 Ochiai tea leaf harvester machine based on operator anthropometry and to find the operator's working posture during the tea picking process that needs immediate improvement. Anthropometric data were collected through measurements of the operator's body dimensions, while biomechanical data were collected through video recordings of the work-movements of all operators in operating the machine with a land slope of 5<sup>o</sup> – 10<sup>o</sup>and a land slope of 35<sup>o</sup>–40<sup>o </sup>at a plant height of 75 cm to 110 cm. Data analysis was performed using the REBA (Rapid Entire Body Assessment) and OWAS (Ovako Working Posture Analysis) methods. The results showed that the design of the type GT 120 Ochiai engine was in accordance with the operator's anthropometry. The results of REBA analysis show that there is a high work risk when operating the harvester machine, namely in the land conditions with a slope of 35<sup>o</sup> – 40<sup>o</sup> with a plant height above 100 cm and when moving the sacks of the harvest to a temporary shelter. Meanwhile, according to the results of the OWAS analysis, it is necessary to take corrective action as soon as possible, namely the position of operator 3 and operator 4 and it is necessary to change the position of operator 1 and operator 2. Based on the results of the REBA and OWAS analysis, it is better if the operator’s work shift changes in machine operation with the slope of the land 35<sup>o </sup>– 40<sup>o</sup>.</em></p>


2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 28-31
Author(s):  
Salwa Mahmood ◽  
Syed Abd Hafiz Syed Abd. Aziz ◽  
Mohd Zakwan Zulkifli ◽  
Noraini Marsi

Repetitive tasks can cause working posture problems, such as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs). This is very related to workers who is repeat the same tasks and depending on manual handling processes. Posture analysis evaluations using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) tools have been used to analyse the working postures of workers at poultry feed manufacturing industry. The aim of this study was to identify workers’ risks of working posture problems, and to propose a standard of procedure to reduce MSDs and CTDs. The assessment was conducted using RULA and REBA worksheets. Three selected workers are divided into three different tasks. From the analysis had been done, the score obtain for RULA method is 7, 6 and 7 for Workers 1, Workers 2 and Workers 3 respectively. Meanwhile for REBA method, the score is 12, 6 and 5 for workers respectively. It is shows that the working postures is in high-risk, which need to be considered.  It is expected that this research will help by proposing proper SOP and work position for reducing the risk of WMSDs in industry. In addition, this research is expected to increase the awareness regarding on the good working postures among workers.


2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hafidh Munawir ◽  
Isnainiyah Wardatul Jannah ◽  
Eko Setiawan

 Tiga Hati Mutiara is a food industry located in Sukoharjao, Central Java. One of the activities in the production process is packaging. The posture of the workers in the packing process is to stand and bend over. The position of the worker is very dangerous if it is done repeatedly and continuously. This study aims to identify the posture and ergonomic risks of workers and provide suggestions for improving worker posture. The methods used in this research are the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method and the Ovako Work Posture Analysis System (OWAS) method. The results of the research on the packaging process using the REBA method obtained a score of 8, which means that the level of risk is high and needs immediate improvement, while the OWAS method has a score of 4, which means that this attitude is very dangerous for the musculoskeletal system and needs immediate improvement. Improvements made are to improve the position of workers and dimensions of the table. After the improvement, the REBA score was 2 and OWAS was 1, which means that the proposed posture condition is good.


2019 ◽  
Vol 81 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Salwa Mahmood ◽  
Muhammad Nazreen Hardan ◽  
Muhammad Khairul Samat ◽  
Nur Syamimi Jiran ◽  
Muhammad Farid Shaari

The development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is crucial for improving the economy of a rural area. However, this can cause working posture problems, such as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs). This is especially true for butchers, who work in SMEs that still depend on manual handling processes without standard operating procedures. Posture analysis evaluations using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) tools have been used to analyse the working postures of butchers working in SMEs. The aim of this study was to identify butchers’ risks of working posture problems, and to propose an ergonomic workstation designed to reduce MSDs and CTDs. This study was focused on smoked meat preparation. The butchers there spend 5–8 hours a day cutting and trimming meat. The assessment was conducted using RULA and REBA worksheets. The RULA score for the meat trimming process was 7, with a score of 6 for the meat cutting process. As for REBA, the score was 5 for both the meat trimming and meat cutting processes. Based on these scores, the butchers were at higher risks for MSDs and CTDs. Therefore, a new ergonomic workstation design was proposed based on the principles of motion economy.


Author(s):  
Muhammad Ramadhani ◽  
Rukman Rukman

This ergonomi working posture research was done to reduce Muskuloskeletal Disorders inworking activity at put the wheel in to the position in Perum PengangkutanPenumpangDjakarta (PPD) by three workers. Workers are working in bending and crouching in longperiods of time so that it can cause Muskuloskeletal Disorders. The workers are generallypaying less attention to body posture at work. The Rapid Entire Body Assesment (REBA)method and Ovako Work Posture Analysis System (OWAS) method is used to analyze bodyposture. The research was conducted by interviewing the parties concerned at the activityput the wheel in to the position for designing the working tools required


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 181
Author(s):  
Coral Oliver Hernández ◽  
Shimeng Li ◽  
María José Aguado Benedí ◽  
Inmaculada Mateo Rodríguez

Background: The automotive industry is heavily affected by sick leaves caused by the handling of loads and using postures that produce musculoskeletal disorders. Research is needed to analyse their causes and find possible solutions to eliminate or mitigate these risks. Objective: Our objective was to analyse the level of musculoskeletal risk in the different work tasks performed by truck and bus mechanics. Our intention is also to analyse whether postural training and feedback can help reduce risk. Methods: The rapid entire body assessment (REBA) was used to assess the postures performed by 35 mechanics from eight branches throughout Spain. The participants were subsequently divided randomly into two groups (experimental group and control group). The experimental group (EG) was given training and feedback on their postures and the control group (CG) was not offered any type of intervention. A few months after the initial assessment, their postural load in the usual tasks was re-evaluated. Results: An overall average REBA Score: 10.49 ± 1.33. The main risk was found in the trunk and arms with sustained above-the-head postures. EG’s second results are significantly improved compared to the first (p = 0.026 *). Conclusions: These jobs have a high-risk level of musculoskeletal disorders. The course of action presented with postural training and feedback has shown satisfactory results. Nevertheless, given the size of the sample, further research will be needed to delve deeper into this possibility as a future line of intervention.


2018 ◽  
Vol 566 (11) ◽  
pp. 20-22
Author(s):  
Waldemar Ćwirzeń ◽  
Leopold Wagner

The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of exposure of 210 dental hygienists to forearms and wrists overloading. The study was based on a Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) questionnaire. The results showed that 42.4% and 43.35% of respondents adopted a strenuous working posture of the right and left forearm, respectively. Strenuous inclination of the right and left wrist was reported by 37.1% and 43.8% of respondents, respectively. Additional twisting and lateral deviation of wrists was reported by 83.8% and 84.3% of respondents for the right and left wrist respectively. The results confirm the premise that dental hygienists are at a high risk of overloading their forearms and wrists. Therefore, there is an urgent need to implement preventive measures and to carry out periodic check-ups.


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