In our last newsletter, we noted that postural risks can vary from one sector of activity to another. Today, we're going to take a look at how to assess postural risks in concrete terms, using the LEA application. |
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Ergonomic analysis is of the utmost importance for identifying MSD risks |
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In the professional world, ergonomic analysis is essential for identifying the risks of MSDs (musculoskeletal disorders). These analyses help prevent injuries and improve working conditions. |
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Among ergonomic analysis tools: the RULA score |
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The RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment) score is a main toolfor assessing postural risks. It helps to identify positions that could cause MSDs and requires careful evaluation. However, this detailed assessment can be highly time-consuming, demanding many ergonomists' time and resources. |
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LEA helps calculate biomechanical RULA scores |
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This is where LEA comes in. Our application facilitates the calculation of RULA scores quickly and accurately, automating much of the process. This allows us to concentrate on more strategic aspects of ergonomics. |
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Putting LEA to practical use in the workplace |
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Our ergonomists at Ergosanté use LEA to improve working conditions efficiently and accurately. |
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Today, we present how LEA has been used to assess ergonomic risks at a workstation in a logistics warehouse. |
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The workstation studied involved sorting and moving cartons. After filming an operator during 3 minutes of activity, here are the results obtained with our LEA application. |
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It can be seen that 60% of the time is spent without trunk flexion. On another note, when trunk flexion is present, it is mostly between 60° and 90°, corresponding to significant flexion These data on trunk flexion, combined with those on trunk inclination and rotation, enable us to obtain RULA scores. These scores indicate the level of postural risk during the analysis period. Overall, we can see that about half the time was spent at low risk, and the other half at high risk. |
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For an even more detailed interpretation of the results, the activity log is an invaluable complement. It allows you to visualize and analyze your movements and postures throughout the day. |
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Combining the LEA results and the activity log, we determined that postures that put the trunk at risk accounted for around 40% of working time, and that they occurred mainly during the carton placement and retrieval phases. This figure is far from negligible. Indeed, if workers perform these tasks for 6 hours, that's the equivalent of 2 hours a day spent in a high-risk posture. |
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Poor posture should not be underestimated, as in the long term it is one of the main factors in the development of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). |
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You can contact our consultants for help in interpreting your LEA analyses, or if you wish to go even further in analyzing your workstations. |
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How can we respond to identified risks? |
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The first step is usually to examine the possibility of redesigning workstations. This can include adjustments to the height of work surfaces, the organization of tools, and the optimization of workspace to avoid awkward postures. |
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Good practice and good posture |
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Secondly, teaching and encouraging good practices and postures is also crucial. Training employees to adopt ergonomic working positions can significantly reduce the risk of MSDs. |
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Our solutions - Hapo exoskeletons |
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Finally, when other solutions have been explored, we also offer innovative solutions such as Hapo exoskeletons. These devices assist workers by reducing the load on the body, particularly during lifting and handling tasks, thus improving their day-to-day comfort and safety. |
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