Task Analysis Tools

1. Task Analysis Tools

2. Risk Factors Ergonomic Body Divisions Review the Basics

3. Force Frequency Posture Duration Contact Stress Environment Vibration Risk Factors

4. Upper Extremity Lower Extremity Trunk Ergonomic Body Division

5. Use OSHA 200/300 logs Accident Reports Workman’s Compensation info Employee Surveys Visual Cues Recognizing a WMSD Problem

6. Body Part Discomfort Form and Rating Scale

7. A narrative, quantitative and/or checklist system that provides a standardized evaluation of a job/task Tools based on biomechanical and physiological information compiled and calculated providing a relative risk of injury probability Can be specific for body region and/or risk factors What is a Task Analysis Tool

8. Provide guidance Where to begin corrective actions Helps direct efforts toward specific body division, risk factors Involve employees Employees can perform assessments Provide a level of measurement Shows improvement of tasks Baseline data Why do we need these tools?

9. Two criteria for use: What are you trying to find out? General vs. Specific information What limitations must be considered? Various tools are only able to assess specific body regions How do we use them?

10. Checklists Easy to use Less time consuming Minimal training Very sensitive: One check, task must be considered Types of Analysis Tools

11. Types of Analysis Tools Quantitative • Less sensitive • More specific training • Provide a relative risk assessment

12. Types of Analysis Tools Narrative • More formal training and experience required • Provides specific areas for improvement • Very time consuming

13. Washington State Checklist (WISHA) NIOSH University of Michigan Checklists

14. Checklist system that identifies “caution or hazard zone jobs” Incorporates each of the risk factors including vibration and contact stress Has separate evaluation for heavy, frequent or awkward lifting Uses verbal cues to guide user through evaluation criteria Not generally left or right side independent WISHA

15. WISHA • Does address combination of risk factors • Great “first cut” ergonomic tool • Draw Backs • High sensitivity: identify many jobs • Doesn’t separate frequency component by body part

16. Using WISHA • 3 basic sections • Entire body checklist • Lifting hazard section • Vibration hazard analysis • Entire body checklist • Identify if a particular hazard exist as a result of a risk factor for a body part • If a hazard exists then corrective action is needed

17. Using WISHA • Lifting hazard analysis • Calculated weight limit is adjusted by: • Compares the actual weight lifted to a calculated weight limit • Actual weight lifted > Weight limit = Hazard exists

18. Using WISHA • Vibration hazard analysis • Compares the time an employee uses the machine to a pre-measured vibration value • Plot time vs. vibration data on graph • Intersection point indicates degree of hazard • Vibration data: www.lni.wa.gov/wisha/ergo

20. Quantitative Tools • Job Strain Index • Rapid Upper Limb Assessment • ACGIH Threshold Limit Value – HAL • Rapid Entire Body Assessment • Rodgers Muscle Fatigue Analysis • Snook Push/Pull Hazard Tables

21. Job Strain Index • Only evaluates hand, wrist and elbow (distal upper extremity) • Assess task based on posture, frequency and force • FORCE driven • Doesn’t consider vibration or contact stress • Index based on a relative risk (1-1053) • 7 considered hazardous

22. Job Strain Index • Can assess right and left sides independently as well as worst case • Used in meat packing, small part assembly, keyboarding and other highly repetitive hand motions

23. Strain Index Elements • Intensity of exertions (force) • Duration of Exertion (% cycle) • Efforts per minute • Hand/wrist posture • Speed of work • Duration of task per day

24. Using the Job Strain Index • Assign a value for each of the 6 elements • Multiply each element = strain index • Compare calculated value to decision threshold provided • Decision Threshold • <3 safe • 3-5 uncertain • 5-7 some risk • >7 hazardous

27. JHA/Work Methods

28. JHA/Work Methods Videotaping Tips • Announce the name of the job on the tape • Tape 5 to 10 minutes for each task • At least 3-4 cycles • Start with whole body shots and then zoom in on problems areas • Try different angles to get the best shot

29. JHA/Work Methods Step 1: Breaking The Job Down • List each step in order of occurrence • Be sure to record enough information • Can use Gilbreth’s terms to describe steps • Can use video or photos

30. Search Select Grasp Reach Move Hold Position Inspect Assemble Disassemble Use Unavoidable Delay Avoidable Delay Plan Rest to overcome fatigue JHA/Work Methods Gilbreth’s Table of Work Elements

31. JHA/Work Methods Step 2: Identify the Hazards • Look for Risk Factors in each job • Repeat the job observation until all hazards identified • Video and photos can be especially helpful • Consider abnormal activities and conditions

32. JHA/Work Methods Step 3: New Procedure or Protection • Can the job be performed in another way? • Can you make physical changes to the job? • Does the job have to be performed? Can it be done less often?

35. What does the worker need to know from this presentation?