Usability of the Upper Limb Risk Assessment (UPLIRA) Method for Assessing the Risk Factors of Upper Limb Disorders

Department of Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), 86400 Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia.

^* Corresponding author: mnasrull@uthm.edu.my

Abstract

It is important to design ergonomic methods or assessment with a high usability and good ergonomic features, so the method is easily adaptable to the task and the workplace environment. Usability is a measurement on how well the user can use that functionality. The study converged on testing the usability of the new tools for assessing ULDs namely as Upper Limb Risk Assessment (UPLIRA). The UPLIRA method was evaluated by 6 students (3 undergraduate students and 3 postgraduates students) from University Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) who are conducting research in ergonomic. From the feedback survey of UPLIRA method, the observers agree that the prototype of UPLIRA tool was applicable to workplace assessment for the wide range of jobs/task (mean 4.00, SD:0.632) with 83% percentage of agreement . They also indicate that UPLIRA method is quick to use (mean 3.67, SD:1.033) with percentage agreement of 67%. The scoring system and action level was rated as easy to understand (mean 3.67, SD:1.211) and (mean 4.17, SD:0.408). Conclusively, the UPLIRA method was rated as straightforward to use, applicable to wide range of tasks, and time saving as assessment can be completed within 10 minutes. In addition, the UPLIRA assessment covers an extensive range of physical, psychosocial, work organizational, and individual risk factors.