Review of ergonomic assessment tools

Abstract

This paper analyzes the methods of ergonomic evaluation by identifying and defining the methods, frequency of publications and expert analysis. Using adjustment of historical series by adjustment of time series, we obtained an upward linear trend in publications for 23 of the 24 methods identified in this study, the most common being: niosh, fanger, nasa-tlx, OWAS, reba and rula. The niosh method, the most frequent in publications, was very well evaluated by the group, having been used by all the experts consulted. Methods nasa-tlx (3rd) and reba (5) were also well evaluated and used by ergonomists, being above average in evaluation and use. Although the consultation of experts generates results similar to quantitative research, the experts’ greatest contribution is qualitative, as their perceptions are based on the critical analysis of ergonomic assessment methods in the light of the literature. It was concluded that, in addition to this information, it is necessary to consider the particularity of the task and the experience of the ergonomics professional in the process of choosing the ergonomic assessment method. Finally, we identified many similar methods, derived from or associated with each other, and found it necessary to study the process of analysis and ergonomic evaluation in search of prospects for a unified ergonomic assessment approach (future studies).