Developing ergonomic solutions for prevention of musculoskeletal disorder disability

Numerous models have been proposed to help understand the relationship between personal and work factors that affect participation in work. The authors use a generic version of these models as a framework for identifying gaps between job demands and worker capacities. They describe metrics for assessing factors associated with causing or aggravating musculoskeletal disorders. Two case examples are presented to illustrate the hierarchical assessment of jobs and the evaluation of gaps between job demands and worker capacities. Finally, the authors describe the development of a job database to facilitate future evaluations.