Musculoskeletal Risk Audit
A musculoskeletal risk audit is an assessment of the risk of a working environment causing a
musculoskeletal disorder. The higher the risk score the more
likely the work area is to cause a musculoskeletal disorder. COPE’s Occupational Physiotherapists can help you to assess
the risk factors for work-related
musculoskeletal disorders. This incorporates assessment of the following key factors:
- Load – static/intermittent
- Posture
- Repetition
- Coupling
- Force build up
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Why carry out a Musculoskeletal Risk Audit?
The first step in managing work-related
musculoskeletal disorders. is to assess the risks.
A musculoskeletal audit will help you to:
- Measure musculoskeletal risk
- Compare the musculoskeletal loading of current and modified work station designs
- Prevent musculoskeletal disorders by reducing the risk factors ‘at source’.
- Evaluate outcomes in terms of productivity or suitability of equipment
- Educate management and workers about the musculoskeletal risk of different working postures
Case Study: Evaluating Outcomes
Axellson (1997*) found a correlation between high RULA scores and a higher proportion of products that were discarded as defective when
processed at a particular work station. A company identified the high risk work areas reduced the risk, reduced the percentage of rejects
from the production line by 39% and saved $25,000 per annum.
*Axelsson, J.R.C. 1997 RULA in Action: Enhancing Participation and Continuous Improvements. From Experience to Innovation - IEA '97.
Proceedings of the 13th Triennial Congress of the International Ergonomics Association, Tampere, Finland, June 29-July 4, 1997, Edited by
P.Seppala, T.Luopajarvi, CH Nygard and M Mattila. Finnish Institute for Occupational Health, Helsinki, Volume 4.
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