Enhancing Workplace Safety with Posture Assessments Using REBA and RULA Powered by Computer Vision Technology

Shoyab Ali
Mar 19, 2024
7 min read

Updated: Sep 16

Ergonomic Assessments, REBA and RULA Assessments, Computer Vision in Ergonomics, Computer Vision in Ergonomic Assessments — 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 and posture assessment 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.

This blog focuses on posture assessment, its importance in workplace safety, and how modern AI technology enhance accurate posture detection.

What is Posture Assessment and Why It Matters?

Posture assessment plays a vital role in ergonomics evaluation, as it helps organisations identify risk factors that may cause musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). These disorders encompass a broad range of conditions affecting the muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, and other supportive tissues in the body and can arise from various factors, including repetitive movements, awkward postures, forceful exertions, vibrations, or immobility.

The application of ergonomics has found its importance across different sectors but the maximum challenges are faced in the labour-intensive industries, such as construction and manufacturing. One of the most significant health concerns emerging from such jobsites is MSDs. MSDs can cause discomfort, pain, and functional limitations, impacting an individual's ability to perform daily activities and work tasks.

Poor workplace posture is key driver behind these issues, making posture risk evaluation essential.

The Role of Posture Evaluation in Preventing MSDs

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-

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

According to OSHA, these disorders can be prevented by ergonomics evaluation and by designing jobs that fits workers’ physical capabilities.

Posture detection and evaluation also plays a direct role in preventing MSDs by identifying unsafe or repetitive body mechanics early – such as awkward lifting angles, prolonged static postures, or repetitive strain. By flagging these risks proactively, posture assessments allow organisations to make corrections before injuries occur.

What is REBA & RULA?

The world of ergonomics has been assessed using a number of methods but there are two key methodologies that remain the cornerstone of posture assessment in labour-intensive environments, they are: Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) and Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA).

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.

For example, on a construction site, REBA can identify risks during heavy lifting tasks – such as awkward posture or excessive force – helping implement interventions like lifting aids.

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.

For example, in a manufacturing facility, RULA can be applied to assess workers doing repetitive assembly tasks. By identifying ergonomic risks like static posture or repetitive motions, workstation layouts can be optimized to reduce risk.

Both REBA and RULA are structured frameworks that not only guide ergonomics evaluation but also serve as essential posture assessment methods for preventing MSDs.

AI-powered Posture Detection with viAct Computer Vision Technology

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 workplace ergonomic monitoring through the integration of computer vision technology. By leveraging advanced AI algorithms and real-time video analytics, viAct solutions offer unparalleled capabilities in monitoring and optimizing workplace safety. The effective ways in which viAct supports AI-powered posture detection and automated ergonomics monitoring are as follows-

Computer Vision in Ergonomic Assessments, Ergonomic Risk Analysis, Ergonomic Risk Assessment — Ways viAct’s Computer Vision Technology Provides an Ergonomic Advantage to Workplaces

1. Real-time Monitoring

viAct 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 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 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 MSD risks, ultimately leading to healthier, more productive, and safer work environments for all.

2. Automated Assessment

viAct computer vision technology presents a paradigm shift in the way posture assessments are carried out, 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 computer vision technology is its ability to automate data collection and analysis. Traditionally, posture assessments require manual observation and recording of workers' movements and postures, which can be time-consuming and prone to human error. However, with viAct 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 algorithms. Through sophisticated pattern recognition algorithms, the system can detect deviations from ergonomic best practices, such as excessive bending, or twisting. By categorizing these movements according to ergonomic guidelines, viAct provides valuable insights into potential risk factors and areas for improvement.

Moreover, viAct AI-powered posture assessment 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 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 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 and provides an efficient way to monitor the ongoing surveillance.

This technology doesn’t just enhance safety; it enables proactive workplace posture analysis and builds a stronger safety culture.

Building Safer Workplaces with Posture Assessment

Posture assessment is thus, vital for reducing the risks of MSDs and improving workplace safety. Combined with REBA and RULA methodologies, AI-powered posture detection provides a modern approach to workplace safety.

By leveraging AI and computer vision-powered ergonomics evaluation tools like viAct, organizations can reduce injuries, improve efficiency, and promote musculoskeletal health assessment at scale.

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