Risk Assessment and Management of Repetitive Movements and Exertions of Upper Limbs: Job Analysis, Ocra Risk Indicies, Prevention Strategies and Design Principles

In industrialised countries, musculo-skeletrical disorders of the upper limbs represent one of the commonest work-related diseases. All working activities habitually requiring repetitive upper limb movements and exertions represent a potential risk for these disorders under certain conditions. This practical manual provides a clear and detailed solution to the problem of assessing and consequently managing these risks in conformity with European Union legislation covering the safety and protection of workers' health. The book contains many tables, diagrams and schedules, enhancing its practical value. The methods it proposes for analyzing and designing or redesigning jobs and tasks do not require sophisticated equipment and are largely based on situations encountered in large manufacturing factories. Since risk analysis also concerns how jobs and tasks are organized, many concepts and terms are defined that prevention experts can share with those responsible for planning and organizing manufacturing activities on the shop floor.

Chapter 1: An Introduction to Ergonomics and the Aim Of This Hand Book

Chapter 2: Musculoskeletal Diseases Due to Biomechanical Overload

Chapter 3: Establishing the Presence of Risk and the Subsequent Means of Intervention

Chapter 4: The General Model of Exposure Analysis: Relevant Definitions and Their Interaction With Job Analysis Using the Methods-Time Measurement (MTM) System

Chapter 5: Work Organization Analysis: Task Analysis, Cycle Time and Rest Periods

Chapter 6: Analysis of Repetitiveness and Frequency of Action

Chapter 7: Analysis and Quantification of Force Using the Borg Scale

Chapter 8: Analysis and Evaluation of Working Postures

Chapter 9: Definition and Quantification of Additional Risk Factors

Chapter 10: Analysis and Evaluation of Recovery Periods

Chapter 11: Proposed Concise Index for the Assessment of Exposure to Repetitive Movements of the Upper Limbs (OCRA Index)

Chapter 12: A Check-List Model for the Quick Evaluation of Risk Exposure (OCRA Index)

Chapter 13: European Technical Standards in Ergonomics

Chapter 14: Guidelines For Designing Jobs Featuring Repetitive Tasks

Chapter 15: A Longitudinal Study of Workers With Wmsds After Returning To A Redesigned Workstation: Criteria For the Return of Workers to the Workforce

Essential References

Addendum: Forms and Checklists