assess risks, tackle issues
This working posture risk assessment tool can be used to determine the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders (pain or malfunction in joints, ligaments and/or muscles) due to unfavourable working postures. The use of this method will enable you to:
The WRAP risk assessment tool can be regarded as the first step towards risk reduction and prevention. A detailed description of the stepwise approach involved can be found by clicking on the ‘download forms’ tab. WRAP can also be used to ascertain whether preventive measures have had the desired effect of reducing the risk of injury.
The assessment takes place per task, i.e. for all employees who perform that task, and not per employee, function or day. It is important to check whether there are functions that involve several risky tasks per day. In that case, it may be necessary to consult a kinesiologist (an expert in the physiological and mechanical aspects of human movement).
The method is intended for the assessment of working postures during tasks:
Examples of such tasks are driving a lorry, washing patients (by nurses), general dentistry work, sorting of products weighing less than 1 kg and quality checks.
The method is not recommended for the evaluation of computer-related work. Other methods that test the ergonomics of computer devices are recommended for this purpose.
This method is suitable for assessing risks for adult employees between the ages of 18 and 65, in all sectors of industry.
Potential users are those who are responsible for a company’s working conditions, such as prevention officers, working conditions coordinators, personnel officers, HR management staff or – in small companies – the director himself. Health and safety experts and working conditions services can also use the method. The method does not require any specific prior knowledge.
Remarks:
* WRAP 1.0 was developed on the basis of both scientific knowledge concerning high-risk working postures and expert opinion. The validity of the tool is still unknown, however. It is therefore important that the risk assessment should also involve a check for the presence of other health risk factors as well as risk factors for absenteeism from work.