Practical application of assessment tools for WRMSD risks – A case study in apiculture

Abstract

Introduction – Effective risk management requires a systematic approach where risk is identified, assessed, and controlled. After controls have been introduced, they need to be reviewed for effectiveness. In addition to these steps, proactive health monitoring completes the approach. To date there has been little help for small- to medium-sized businesses, especially those in agriculture to actively manage their musculoskeletal risk factors. A barrier to compliance for the management of musculoskeletal risks has been the lack of resources to assess risk factors. This study investigated the use of three risk assessments which may be applicable to the agricultural sector.

Material and methods – The NZMAC, NZART and REBA were applied to a variable agricultural task. The apicultural task of hive inspection was chosen as a case study example as it was representative of a frequently performed, non-linear task. Multiple worksite observations were undertaken in the North Island of New Zealand. Self-reported yearly prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders amongst apiarists, obtained from a recent study, supported the choice of assessment method for key areas of low back (74%), neck (54.8%), shoulder (56.2%) and wrist/hand (47.9%).

Results – Not surprisingly, high risk factors were associated with the development of WRMSDs in high prevalence anatomical areas. The assessment tools used indicated that the physical risk factors were in the range of medium to high risk.

Conclusions – The NZMAC and NZART are suitable for use in assessing a task with fluctuating physical demands. There was a high agreement with the results from the REBA assessment. Further resources are needed to support small-and medium-sized businesses to assess and manage their WRMSD risks to reduce the personal and financial harm associated with WRMSDs.