Comparison of OWAS, RULA and REBA for assessing potential work-related musculoskeletal disorders

Abstract

Abstract This study compared three representative observational methods for assessing musculoskeletal loadings: Ovako Working Posture Analysis System (OWAS), Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA). The comparison was based on 209 cases of upper-body musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) diagnosed by medical doctors. The most awkward/stressful posture in each participant s tasks was assessed using these techniques. Postural loadings were rated more highly by the RULA than by the OWAS and REBA (p\xa0 Relevance to industry Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are the leading cause of workplace disability in the developed countries. For preventing the disorders, quantification of musculoskeletal loads is required.