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This calculator helps assess ergonomic risks by calculating the Ergonomic Risk Score (ERS), which helps in identifying tasks with potential ergonomic hazards. A higher score indicates a greater risk, requiring corrective action to prevent injuries.

Understanding Ergonomic Risk Factors

Ergonomic risk factors help identify workplace tasks that may contribute to discomfort, fatigue, or long-term musculoskeletal disorders. The assessment is based on three main parameters:

• Frequency (1-10): Represents how often a task is performed within a work shift.
  • 1 - Rare: Task is performed once or twice a day.
  • 5 - Moderate: Task is performed multiple times per hour.
  • 10 - Very Frequent: Task is performed continuously throughout the shift.

  Higher frequency indicates repetitive actions, which increase strain on muscles and joints. Tasks repeated many times per hour or throughout the day can lead to fatigue and overuse injuries, requiring intervention.

• Duration (minutes): Measures the total time spent on the task per workday.
  • 1-30 minutes: Short task with minimal ergonomic impact.
  • 30-120 minutes: Moderate exposure requiring closer evaluation.
  • 120+ minutes: High risk due to sustained exposure, increasing the chances of discomfort or injury.

  Longer durations result in extended exposure to potential risks, increasing the chances of discomfort or injury. Short tasks may have minimal effects, but those lasting over 120 minutes require ergonomic controls to prevent strain.

• Intensity (1-5): Reflects the effort required to perform the task, considering physical exertion and strain.
  • 1 - Very Low: Minimal effort, such as typing or light hand movements.
  • 2 - Low: Slight physical effort, such as handling small objects under 5 lbs.
  • 3 - Moderate: Noticeable effort, handling objects weighing between 5-25 lbs.
  • 4 - High: Significant effort, lifting or pushing objects between 25-50 lbs.
  • 5 - Very High: Extreme effort, heavy lifting over 50 lbs or highly strenuous activity like forceful pushing/pulling.

  Higher intensity means greater exertion, which can increase ergonomic risks significantly. High-intensity tasks, such as lifting heavy loads or maintaining awkward postures, need interventions to reduce injury potential.

Why These Factors Matter

• Higher frequency, longer duration, and greater intensity increase ergonomic risks.
• Repetitive movements, sustained postures, and excessive force contribute to injuries.
• Reducing exposure by modifying tasks, improving posture, or introducing rest breaks can lower risk levels.

This evaluation helps organizations design safer work environments by identifying and addressing ergonomic hazards before they cause serious health issues.