Comparison of multi-task ergonomic assessment methods for risk of upper extremity and low back musculoskeletal disorders

• Published in: Applied ergonomics Vol. 119; p. 104313
• Main Authors: Jorgensen, Michael J., Martinez, Andrea, Hakansson, Nils A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.09.2024
• Subjects: Multi-task assessment methods; Musculoskeletal disorder assessment; Risk classification; Risk classification; Multi-task assessment methods; Musculoskeletal disorder assessment
• ISSN: 0003-6870; 1872-9126
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2024.104313

Work-related musculoskeletal disorder of upper extremity multi-task assessment methods (Revised Strain Index [RSI], Distal Upper Extremity Tool [DUET]) and manual handling multi-task assessment methods (Revised NIOSH Lifting Equation [RNLE], Lifting Fatigue Failure Tool [LiFFT]) were compared. RSI and DUET showed a strong correlation (rs = 0.933, p < 0.001) where increasing risk factor exposure resulted in increasing outputs for both methods. RSI and DUET demonstrated fair agreement (κ = 0.299) in how the two methods classified outputs into risk categories (high, moderate or low) when assessing the same tasks. The RNLE and LiFFT showed a strong correlation (rs = 0.903, p = 0.001) where increasing risk factor exposure resulted in increasing outputs, and moderate agreement (κ = 0.574) in classifying the outputs into risk categories (high, moderate or low) when assessing the same tasks. The multi-task assessment methods provide consistent output magnitude rankings in terms of increasing exposure, however some differences exist between how different methods classify the outputs into risk categories.