A Risk Assessment Tool to Avoid Musculo-Skeletal Disorders Related to Manual Work

Abstract

Abstract Musculo-skeletal disorders (MSD) are major contributors to sick leaves and disability pensioning among Norway's petroleum workers. The Petroleum Safety Authority Norway requires the industry to carry out health risk assessments of the working environment. The aim for our company is to have no work related illnesses and injuries. This study was conducted to identify, evaluate and manage ergonomic risk factors in manual work tasks. A risk assessment tool for ergonomic factors in manual work tasks has been developed. The tool, ErgoRisk, consists of a five-section questionnaire. Section one comprises the professional's assessment based on observations of the selected work taskThe worker gives his view on defined questionsMitigating measures are discussedThe professional calculates the risk levelsConclusion and suggestion of risk reducing measures It is recommended to do a second risk assessment of the work task after actions have been implemented. This is to see if and how the risk level has been reduced. ErgoRisk can be used in connection with general risk assessments, in the follow-up of work related musculo-skeletal disorders, and in the assessment of specific work tasks. Experience shows that the tool is easy and practical in use. There is a good match between the professional's and the worker's assessments, and the results are useful in communicating and discussing risk. Ergonomists are the main users of the tool, but a training program is now carried out to teach offshore nurses how to use the tool. Risk assessments of ergonomic factors are important contributions to a health bringing working environment. Risk factors are identified, analysed and evaluated, and improvement efforts are discussed, implemented and verified.