An empirical comparison of OWAS, RULA and REBA based on self-reported discomfort

Abstract

This study aimed to compare three observational techniques, the Ovako working posture analysis system (OWAS), rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) and rapid entire body assessment (REBA), based on whole-body discomfort. Fifteen college students participated in the experiment measuring discomfort. Hand height, hand distance and external load were used as independent variables. The results showed that while just the two independent variables of hand height and distance significantly affected the OWAS action category, all three independent variables including external load were significant for the discomfort, RULA grand and REBA scores. The grand score was more linearly correlated to discomfort, compared to the OWAS action category and REBA score. RULA generally assessed postural loads for the postures tested more highly than OWAS and REBA. Based on these findings, it was concluded that, of the three methods, RULA may be the best for estimating postural stress under the conditions of this study.