The Ocra Index for Risk Assessment of Wmsds Risk with Repetitive Movements of the Upper Limbs: Further Validation Data

Abstract

This paper proposes a method for calculating a concise index of exposure to repetitive movements of the upper limbs.

The proposal, which is now validated by more studies and applications, is conceptually based on the procedure recommended by the NIOSH for calculating the lifting Index.

The OCRA Index in this case is based on the relationship between the daily number of actions performed by the upper limbs in repetitive tasks and the corresponding number of recommended actions, calculated as a function of the presence of risk factors. The new epidemiological studies carried out, quantifying the prevalence of WMSDs and exposure index OCRA in different tasks, confirm a significant association between OCRA and the prevalence of upper limb disorders.