Ergonomic assessment method

Ergonomic assessment methods help the ORP technician in identifying and assessing the risk factors associated with a workstation or task. The results or reports obtained will enable the technician to implement actions to redesign the workstation in order to reduce ergonomic risks.

On this page you can learn more about the different methods and how to apply them through the Ergo/IBV software, an ideal solution for streamlining assessment processes, standardising reports and improving their reliability.

Rapid assessment

ErgoCheck

Performed using the Ergo/IBV software, this module uses a check-list to identify, in a qualitative and simple way, the ergonomic and psychosocial risk factors associated with a company, workstation or task.

Manual handling of loads

Single, multiple or variable MHLs

A manual load handling assessment using Ergo/IBV is structured in 5 modules that allow the risks associated with tasks including lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling loads to be assessed; as well as with certain combinations of these actions or tasks involving job rotation or those linked to injured workers.

MHL Mexico NOM-036-1- STPS-2018

This module applies the Official Mexican NOM036-1-STPS-2018 Standard “Ergonomic Risk Factors at Work – Identification, analysis, prevention and control. Part 1: Manual handling of loads”. Specifically, it makes it possible to estimate the risk associated with tasks in which workers undertake operations that involve carrying, lifting, pushing, pushing, lowering, dragging, placing or stowing loads weighing more than 3 kg.

MHL, MAC and RAPP

The Manual Handling Assessment Charts (MAC) and Risk Assessment for Pushing and Pulling (RAPP) methods are approved by the British Health and Safety Executive (HSE). They allow an initial assessment of the risks associated with tasks in which a worker performs operations that involve carrying, lifting, pushing, pulling, lowering, dragging, placing or stowing loads. Ergo/IBV has a specific correct application module.

Assessment of repetitive tasks

IBV’s Repetitive Tasks Module

This module is the result of a research project the IBV has undertaken in collaboration with the Unión de Mutuas mutual insurance company and the Comisiones Obreras trade union. It allows repetitive upper limb activities undertaken in clearly defined work cycles to be analysed in order to assess the risk of musculoskeletal injury in the neck-shoulder area and in the hand-wrist area.

Ocra Multitasking Module

Methodology for analysing repetitive upper limb tasks within defined work cycles. Ergo/IBV applies the current regulations based on the OCRA Index risk assessment, along with certain improvements made to this methodology from a scientific and technical point of view.

Forced posture assessments

Posture Module (REBA)

This module incorporates the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method which is applicable to a wide variety of tasks. It allows risk factors linked to tasks involving inappropriate postures affecting the trunk, neck and upper or lower limbs to be analysed by means of the REBA score.

Posture Module (OWAS)

This module is based on the Ovako Working Posture Analysis System (OWAS) method which allows the ergonomic analysis of postural load. Its results are based on an analysis of forced postures in the back, arms and legs. It is applied in tasks with a non-uniform distribution of the workload across the working day and where it is difficult to determine exposure times.

Office workstation assessments

Office Module

Developed by the IBV and the Spanish National Institute for Safety and Hygiene at Work (INSHT), it allows office tasks to be analysed during which a worker spends more than 2 hours a day effectively working with display screens.

Remote Working Module

Based on various standards including ISO 9241, ISO 8995, ISO 7730, UNE-EN-29241.3 and EN-1335-2, as well as on reference legislation including Law 10/2021 and Royal Decree 488/1997, it enables the ergonomic conditions of workstations used for teleworking to be analysed.

Manual handling of patients

Manual Handling of Patients Module (MAPO)

Based on international standards and benchmark studies, it allows tasks involving the handling, moving, lifting or transferring of people / patients to be analysed in order to minimise the significant risk of low back injury in healthcare workers.