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Enhancing Workplace Safety with Ergonomic Assessments Using REBA and

RULA Powered by Computer Vision Technology

Article · March 2024

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Enhancing Workplace Safety with Ergonomic

Assessments Using REBA and RULA Powered by
Computer Vision Technology

Ergonomics Software: Enhancing Workplace Safety with Computer Vision

In today's rapidly evolving workplace landscape, ensuring the health and safety of employees is the first
concern. While in workplaces with less physical activities, the health and safety threats are limited but not non-
existent ; in case of worksites involving high level of physical labour that it becomes a challenge to monitor and
ascertain health and safety of its workers. This is where the branch of Ergonomics comes into play.
According to International Ergonomics & Human Factors Association,“ Ergonomics refers to the science of work
where ergon means work in Greek and nomos mean law”.

The goal of ergonomics is to facilitate the integration of human factors into its surrounding elements and increase
the levels of comfort, safety, efficiency, and overall well-being. Through meticulous attention to detail and the
application of scientific principles, ergonomics strives to harmonize human capabilities and limitations with the
design of various elements within our environment, fostering environments that optimize human performance and
satisfaction.

The application of ergonomics have found its importance across different sectors but as mentioned above the
maximum challenges are found to be across the labour-intensive industries. One of the significant physical
deformity that have emerged out of working in critical jobsites like manufacturing or construction is -
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). MSDs encompass a broad range of conditions affecting the muscles, bones,
tendons, ligaments, and other supportive tissues in the body. These disorders can arise from various factors,
including repetitive movements, awkward postures, forceful exertions, vibrations, and sustained periods of
immobility. MSDs can cause discomfort, pain, and functional limitations, impacting an individual's ability to
perform daily activities and work tasks.

WorkSafe ACT have mentioned that in 2019-20, out of the serious compensation claims being made by workers,
58% are related to MSDs leading to an estimated annual cost of $24 billion.

It is important to understand that these MSDs do not result from slips, trips, falls, or similar incidents that occur in
worksites. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor, MSDs result from bodily
reactions during work such as bending, climbing, crawling, reaching or twisting. Here are some interesting facts
about the occurrence of MSDs that are found in workers-

1. Carpel Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) which is related to the nervous system and linked to the brain and spinal
cord can result in weakness and even numbness in the hands and fingers of the workers.

2. Injuries in the Back are one of the top ten reasons for medical visits and comprising 27% of the cases. It is
followed by 13% shoulder based MSDs and 10% knee based MSDs. The back injuries can result in
chronic pain among 5 to 10% of these workers.

3. The limitation in work due to Arthritis is quite common among working adults which can result out of
ergonomically inappropriate workplace layouts.

4. Between the year 2017-18 and 2020-21, 19% of the claims in MSDs were from the construction sector and
5.4% comprised of the manufacturing sector.

OSHA mentions that MSDs leading out of work can be prevented by implementing appropriate ergonomics
design. It can fit the worker to the right job based on their physical capabilities. Ergonomic assessments play a
crucial role in identifying and mitigating ergonomic risks to promote worker well-being and productivity.
The world of ergonomics have been assessed using a number of methods but there are two key methodologies
that are effective in ensuring workers health and safety– Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) and Rapid
Upper Limb Assessment (RULA). Ergonomic assessments involve evaluating the interaction between workers
and their work environment to identify potential hazards and implement corrective measures. REBA and RULA
are established methodologies that provide structured frameworks for assessing ergonomic risks.

Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA)

REBA is a comprehensive ergonomic assessment tool that evaluates the posture and movements of workers
across the entire body. It considers factors such as posture, force exertion, and repetition to assess the risk of
MSDs. REBA assigns a score based on these parameters, indicating the level of ergonomic risk and
recommending appropriate interventions.

Let’s consider its application in a real worksite-

Imagine a construction site where workers are engaged in heavy lifting tasks. REBA can be used to assess their
posture while lifting, identifying potential risks such as awkward postures or excessive force exertion. Based on
the assessment, ergonomic interventions can be implemented, such as providing lifting aids or adjusting work
procedures to reduce the risk of injury.

Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA)

RULA focuses specifically on assessing the ergonomic risks associated with repetitive tasks and poor posture in
the upper limbs. It evaluates factors such as wrist position, elbow angle, and frequency of movement to
determine the level of risk and recommend corrective actions.

Its application in a real working facility can be understood as follows-

In a manufacturing facility where workers are involved in repetitive assembly tasks, RULA can be employed to
assess their upper limb posture and movement patterns. By identifying ergonomic risk factors such as prolonged
static posture or repetitive motions, interventions can be implemented to optimize workstation layout or provide
ergonomic tools to mitigate the risk of MSDs.

The application of REBA and RULA in a construction worksite or in a manufacturing facility can be made more
convenient and accurate with the integration of computer vision technology.

viAct is at the forefront of revolutionizing ergonomic assessments through the integration of computer vision
technology. By leveraging advanced AI algorithms and real-time video analytics, viAct's solutions offer
unparalleled capabilities in monitoring and optimizing workplace safety. The effective ways in which viAct’s
computer vision technology provides an ergonomic advantage to workplaces are as follows-

Ways viAct’s Computer Vision Technology Provides an Ergonomic Advantage to Workplaces

1. Real-time Monitoring: viAct's computer vision technology revolutionizes the way ergonomics is managed
in manufacturing and construction worksites by offering real-time monitoring of workers' movements and
postures. Through its sophisticated algorithms, viAct's system meticulously analyzes video feeds,
capturing even minute changes in workers' actions. This enables the system to swiftly identify instances of
poor ergonomics, such as awkward postures or repetitive movements, that may increase the risk of
musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

By providing immediate feedback to both workers and supervisors, viAct empowers proactive intervention
to address ergonomic issues before they escalate into serious injuries. Supervisors can receive instant
alerts when the system detects potentially hazardous situations, allowing them to take corrective actions
promptly. Likewise, workers benefit from real-time feedback, enabling them to adjust their behaviors and
adopt safer work practices on the spot.

Overall, viAct's computer vision technology not only enhances safety but also promotes a culture of
ergonomics awareness in the workplace. By facilitating continuous monitoring and feedback, viAct helps
organizations proactively manage ergonomic risks, ultimately leading to healthier, more productive, and
safer work environments for all.

2. Automated Assessment: viAct's computer vision technology in construction and manufacturing presents a
paradigm shift in the way ergonomic assessments, specifically REBA and RULA. By leveraging advanced
algorithms and real-time video analysis, viAct automates the REBA and RULA assessment processes,
streamlining workflow and enhancing efficiency.

One of the key advantages of viAct's computer vision technology is its ability to automate data collection
and analysis. Traditionally, ergonomic assessments require manual observation and recording of workers'
movements and postures, which can be time-consuming and prone to human error. However, with viAct's
system in place, this labor-intensive process is replaced with automated monitoring using cameras
installed throughout the worksite. These cameras continuously capture video footage of workers
performing tasks, which is then analyzed in real-time by viAct's algorithms. Through sophisticated pattern
recognition algorithms, the system can detect deviations from ergonomic best practices, such as
excessive bending, twisting, or reaching by using PPE detection. By categorizing these movements
according to ergonomic guidelines, viAct provides valuable insights into potential risk factors and areas
for improvement.

Moreover, viAct's system generates detailed reports based on the data collected during the assessment
process. These reports offer a comprehensive overview of ergonomic risk levels across different tasks and
workstations, allowing supervisors and safety officers to prioritize interventions effectively. By highlighting
areas of concern and providing actionable recommendations, viAct empowers organizations to
proactively address ergonomic hazards and mitigate the risk of workplace injuries.
 3. Instant Alerts: viAct's computer vision system offers an alert system tailored to the unique ergonomic
needs of each worksite within a fraction of a second. Supervisors can configure alerts based on specific
ergonomic thresholds and guidelines, such as prolonged periods of awkward posture or repetitive
movements beyond recommended limits. For example, if a worker maintains an awkward posture for an
extended period, the system can trigger an alert, prompting supervisors to intervene and provide
corrective action. This proactive approach to ergonomic monitoring helps prevent musculoskeletal injuries
by addressing potential risk factors in real-time, ensuring a safer and healthier work environment for all
employees.

4. Integration with Existing System: viAct's computer vision technology seamlessly integrates with existing
safety and monitoring systems already employed in the worksites. By leveraging existing infrastructure
and cameras, viAct can enhance the capabilities of these systems to include real-time ergonomic
monitoring and assessment, thereby maximizing efficiency and effectiveness in promoting worker health
and safety. It allows a comprehensive dashboard to access all the information called viHUB and provides
an efficient way to monitor the ongoing surveillance.

In conclusion, viAct's computer vision technology represents a transformative tool in the realm of
ergonomic assessment, particularly in the context of REBA and RULA methodologies within diverse
worksites. By harnessing advanced machine learning algorithms and real-time video analysis, viAct
empowers organizations to conduct accurate and efficient ergonomic assessments, thereby mitigating the
risk of musculoskeletal disorders and enhancing workplace safety and productivity.

The ability to automate the REBA and RULA assessment processes, coupled with customizable alerts and
comprehensive reporting capabilities, ensures that potential ergonomic hazards are promptly identified
and addressed. This proactive approach not only minimizes the occurrence of work-related injuries but
also fosters a culture of employee well-being and operational excellence.

Moreover, viAct's computer vision technology facilitates continuous monitoring of workers' movements and
postures, offering valuable insights into ergonomic trends and performance metrics. This data-driven
approach enables organizations to implement targeted interventions and ergonomic improvements,
ultimately optimizing workforce efficiency and enhancing overall organizational performance.

Curious about the role of viAct's computer vision in

Ergonomic Assessment?
Submit Your Demo Request

Also Read
10 Important Computer Vision Use Cases for Construction in 2024
Role of Computer Vision in Industry 4.0: Top 5 Use Cases Transforming Manufacturing Industry
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