Quick Exposure Check (QEC) Reference

Guide
Contents

Introduction 2

Getting started and using QEC effectively 4

Establishing priorities 5

Completing an exposure assessment 7

Interpreting QEC questions 8

Scoring the assessment 11

Interpreting the scores 12

Interventions & re-assessment 13

Appendix 14

QEC Forms 16
Introduction

Work related musculoskeletal disorders The ergonomics approach

Work related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a The ergonomics approach to reducing musculoskeletal
common health problem throughout the industrialised world disorders requires the holistic assessment of all elements of the
and a major cause of disability. WMSDs are conditions of the work system so that optimal solutions can be achieved (see
nerves, tendons, muscles, and supporting structures of the diagram below). This requires the full range of generic issues to
musculoskeletal system that can result in fatigue, discomfort, be considered, such as task design, worker/equipment interface,
pain, local swelling, or numbness and tingling. WMSDs individual variation (including motivation) and organisational
usually develop from cumulative damage resulting from culture, training needs, work organisation and legal requirements.
months or years of exposure to excessive levels of physical and This approach ensures that the needs of all relevant user groups
psychosocial stressors at work. within the organisation are addressed.

Scientific evidence has shown that physical and The Quick Exposure Check fits within this approach at the
psychosocial factors are critical in the development of level of the individual(s) in the work system and enables their
WMSDs. exposure to a range of risk factors for WMSD to be assessed.
It is important that the issues depicted in the outer levels of the
The major risk factors for WMSDs in the workplace include: diagram are also addressed using appropriate ergonomic
• heavy manual handling techniques and that interventions should be considered at all
• repetitive and forceful actions levels.
• vibration
• awkward static postures that arise from badly designed Societal and cultural pressures
workstations, tools, equipment, working methods
• poor work organisation. Legal and regulatory rules

Organisational and management behaviour

Exposure to such factors produces effects within the worker’s
body (e.g. decreased blood flow or local muscle fatigue). If Team and group behaviour
adequate recovery does not take place, it can lead to the
development of WMSDs.
Individual behaviour Physical ergonomics

Physical Devices

(after Moray, 2000)

Quick Exposure Check (QEC)

QEC assesses the exposure of the four body areas at

The QEC assessment encourages consideration of
greatest risk to the most important risk factors for
changes to workstations, tools, equipment and
WMSDs. QEC has been developed for use by
working methods to eliminate, or at least minimise, levels of
Occupational Safety and Health practitioners, safety
exposure. This should be done in discussion with the
representatives or those responsible for health and safety in
worker(s). Those who have regular involvement in performing
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to:
the task may have good suggestions for improvement.
• assess the change in exposure to musculoskeletal risk
Consultation at this stage will assist with the introduction of
factors before and after an ergonomic intervention
change in the workplace.
• involve both the practitioner (observer) and the workers
(who have direct experience of performing the job) in
When a change has been made, exposure should be
conducting the assessment and identifying possibilities for
re-assessed to confirm the efficacy of the intervention in
change
reducing the risk factors for WMSDs. This can be done
• encourage improvement of workplaces and allow
immediately following the change rather than waiting for
consideration of the comparative impact and potential cost
changes in the prevalence of reported WMSDs to become
benefits of a number of alternative interventions
evident which may take many months.
• increase awareness among managers, engineers, designers,
health and safety practitioners and workers about
musculoskeletal risk factors in the workplace
• compare exposures between two or more people
performing the same task, or between people
performing different tasks.
Getting started and using QEC effectively

Role of this guide Decide on task to be assessed

QEC allows physical work activities to be assessed in (Establishing priorities pg 5)
collaboration with the worker. It has been designed to be
quick, easy to use and not require extensive training before
use.
Conduct the assessment
A one-page assessment sheet includes questions for both the
practitioner (observer) and the worker to quantify(Completing
exposure to an exposure assessment pg 7 and Interpreting QEC questions pg
risk for WMSDs. The exposure levels for four
main areas of the body can be scored and these can form a
basis for intervention and re-assessment. See sample QEC
Assessment Form at the end of this Guide.
Score
The guide aims to: (Scoring the assessment pg 11)
• provide background to QEC
• present information on how to prioritise tasks for
assessment and conduct basic task analysis
• explain each question and describe the range of answers Interpret and prioritise
• show how to score assessments
• encourage a systems approach to making interventions. (Interpreting the scores pg 12)

Re-assess the change

(Interventions and re-assessment pg 13)
Establishing priorities

Initially, it is necessary to set priorities for assessment. (b) Organise a representative group of workers to review the
You may be asked by a worker, a supervisor or a manager to work performed and identify five tasks with the highest
carry out an assessment because of the problems reported by priority.
or to them about pain, sickness absence or low productivity for
one specific operation. Alternatively, you may be required to (c) Alternatively, if time permits, begin your survey by
carry out assessments as part of your responsibilities to survey talking with workers individually and asking them to
a range of jobs and tasks conducted by workers at different describe what they do.
locations within your organisation.
• Ask the worker to describe the organisation of their day by
If you are directed to a specific task, then begin there and carry hours with breaks.
out assessments of additional tasks within that job if time • Ask them to list the tasks performed and map them onto a
allows. If a more general survey has been requested then it plan. Record the task duration.
may be difficult to decide where and how to start. It is • Define repetitive and non-repetitive activities within each
important to set priorities and use resources effectively and the task.
following approaches are suggested: • Identify actions performed in each task.
• Define cycles and the frequency of repetitive tasks.
(a) It may be possible to conduct a workplace survey about • Confirm the information with more than one worker and
pain and discomfort, and focus on those situations where ask about:
the prevalence of problems is highest (you could use - a typical day and variations from the norm
checklists and body maps for this, - downtime and stoppages
for example go to the following websites: - non scheduled breaks
- any additional/unusual tasks performed at different
http://ergo.human.cornell.edu/ or times in the month/year.
http://www.hazards.org/tools/index.htm • Carry out assessments for tasks identified.

See over for example >

Example of tasks performed daily by a laboratory technician

For each job ask them to describe the organisation of their day by hours with breaks:

Time durationHour 1Hour 2 Hour 3Hour 4 Hour 5 Hour 6 Hour 7Hour 8

Taskadmin.pipettingpipetting Samplepipettingpipetting Lunch pipettingadmin RestCleanMedia prep and
rest equipment administration as delivery
delivery delay

Then look at tasks in more detail:

Tasks Repetitive (R) or not (NR)? Equipment Actions performed in task Cycle length Frequency of cycleTotal
(seconds) Other
duration throughout day (mins)
Place tip in fluid 240
Depress plunger
Withdraw sample
Pipetting R Pipette Transfer/expel sample to well 3 20 per min Delay in sample delivery caused interruption to pipetting task and equipmen
data entry task substituted
record delivery
unpack samples
record classification no.

Admin R Computer 10 6 90
Sample delivery recording NR Date stamp 30
Completing an exposure assessment

In order to conduct an exposure assessment, it is necessary to 6. If you do not have a clear view of the worker, change your
decide what task or part of task you will assess (see page 5). If position or ask the worker to demonstrate the posture. If
you observe one repetitive task, the person is crouching or kneeling this may pose
it is suggested that you observe the task for 20/30 cycles additional risks and may need to be investigated in a
before completing the form. It should take approximately 10 supplementary assessment.
minutes to make the assessment. Where daily patterns of work
and job demands vary, observe workers more than once. For 7. For the Worker’s Assessment, ask the worker to answer
group work, ensure a sufficiently representative number of the questions and then place a tick in the appropriate
individual workers are assessed. Re-observation may be box. The graduation in shading for each question
necessary to confirm judgements made. indicates an increase of exposure to risk.

1. Introduce yourself and explain the aims of the exposure 8. The worker’s answer may differ from the actual answer and
assessment. the observer may want to carry out some measures to
inform any intervention that may be introduced e.g. by
2. Enter the details on the front sheet: worker’s name, job measuring the weight of the load. However, this measure
title, task, assessor’s name, date and time of assessment in should be used to supplement the exposure assessment and
the space provided. Leave ‘Action required’ blank until not to replace the worker’s assessment of the load, as
you have completed the exposure assessment. workers’ opinions are very important.

3. Answer each question with respect to the task you 9. In three questions on the Worker’s Assessment
have selected to assess. (L, P, Q), you should ask the worker for more detail
if appropriate as a basis for identifying the nature of the
4. For each question in the Observer’s Assessment place a problem and opening a dialogue to seek solutions. This
tick in the most appropriate shaded box for questions A- information can be recorded in the box at the bottom of the
G based on your observation of posture and movement of page. This area can also be used to record other
the back, shoulder/arm, wrist/hand observations made during the assessment.
and neck. The graduation in shading for each question
indicates an increase of exposure to risk. 10. Providing immediate feedback to workers after you have
assessed the task can be useful in terms of credibility and
5. Assess the ‘worst case’ for each body area. For example: also to encourage suggestions for improvements. These
• the assessment for back posture should be made at the could be incorporated into the Action Required section
moment when the back is most heavily loaded, on the front of QEC. The graduation in shading for each
i.e. when the person leans or reaches forward to question indicates an increase of possible risk and this can
pick up the load. helpful in telling the worker where particular problems
• the assessment of frequency of motion should be lie.
recorded when a production line is at full speed.
11. Score assessment (Page 11).

12. Enter Actions Required on the front of the form.

13. After an intervention has been made, another exposure

assessment should be conducted to assess the change in
exposure to risk factors for WMSDs (see pages 12 and 13).
Interpreting QEC questions

Observer’s assessment
If in doubt when conducting the assessment, opt for the higher
exposure category.

Assessment of the back

Back posture (A1-A3)

The assessment for back posture should be made at For example, when lifting a box the back is under highest the
moment when the back is most heavily loaded. loading when the person leans or reaches forward, or
bends down to pick up the load.

Almost neutral (A1)

• The back is defined as almost neutral (A1) if it is in less
than 20 of flexion/extension, twisting, or side bending.

Moderately flexed/twisted side bent (A2)

• The back is defined as moderately flexed or twisted or
side bent (A2) if it is in more than 20 but less than 60 of
flexion/extension, twisting or side bending.

Excessively flexed/twisted side bent (A3)

• The back is defined as excessively flexed or twisted or side
bent (A3) if it is in more than 60 of flexion, twisting or
side bending.

Back movement (B1-B5) • If you are assessing a lifting, pushing/pulling or carrying

Select ONLY one of the two task options: task (i.e. moving a load by moving the back), assess
• If you are assessing a standing or seated stationary task B3-B5 and ignore B1-B2. This question refers to how (e.g.
sedentary work, repetitive tasks), assess B1-B2 often the person needs to bend or rotate the back when and
ignore B3-B5. If the back is static for most of the performing these types of manual handling tasks. For time,
select B2. example, when unloading boxes from a pallet, count the
number of times per minute the individual’s back moves to
lift and lower the load. Then select the most appropriate
category B3-B5.
 Shoulder/arm position (C1-C3)
The assessment should be based upon the positi

This may not necessarily be at the same time as when the exposure of the back is assessed. For example, the load on the shoulder may n

Shoulder/a
The moveme
Infrequent (D
Frequent (D2
Very frequen

Assessment of the wrist/hand

Wrist/hand posture (E1-E2)

This posture is assessed during the task when the most
awkward wrist posture is adopted. This may be wrist
flexion/extension, side bending (ulnar/radial deviation).

The wrist is regarded as almost straight (E1) if the movement is

limited within a small angular range (e.g. less
15 of the neutral wrist posture. Otherwise, if an obvious wrist
angle can be observed during the performance of the task, the
wrist is considered to be deviated or bent (E2).

Wrist/hand movement (F1-F3)

The wrist is deviated or bent (E2)
This refers to the movement of the wrist/hand and forearm,
excluding the movement of the fingers. One motion is counted
every time the same or similar motion pattern is repeated over
a set period of time (e.g. 1 minute).

Assessmen

The neck posture is defined as excessively bent or twisted if the angle is greater than 20˚ relative to the torso. If this angle is exceeded
Worker’s assessment of the same task

The worker’s responses are an integral part of the Visual demand (L1-L2)
assessment and it is important that they answer each
question based on their experience of doing the work. Ask the worker to specify if the level of visual demand of the
Explain the meaning of the questions and list the response task is ‘low’ (almost no need to view fine details) or ‘high’
categories. If the worker is in doubt, opt (need to view some fine details). If the requirement is ‘high’,
for the higher exposure category. ask for more information about this aspect of the task. Record
this in the space at the bottom of the page.
Maximum weight handled (H1-H4)
Driving (M1-M3)
This question refers to the weight borne by the worker, and not
the maximum weight handled in the task or the load handled This question investigates whole-body vibration that may
with the use of equipment. result from driving a vehicle at work. The worker is asked to
estimate total time spent driving a vehicle during the working
The worker’s perception of the load weight may differ from the day. If the worker does not drive, do not leave the answer
actual weight category, e.g. a light load may seem heavy if held blank, place a tick in M1 ‘Less than one hour per day or
at full reach. The actual weight of the load can be measured by Never’. This question only refers to driving at work, do not
the observer if required, to inform any intervention that may be include driving to and from work.
introduced. However, this measure should be used to
supplement the exposure assessment and not to replace the
worker’s assessment of the load. Vibration (N1-N3)

This question enquires about the hand-arm vibration that may

Time spent on task (J1-J3) arise from using vibrating tools at work. The worker is asked
to estimate the total time spent using vibrating tools during the
This question examines the amount of time per day the worker working day. If the worker does not use vibrating tools, do not
spends conducting the task being assessed. leave the answer blank, place a tick in N1 ‘Less than one hour
per day or Never’.

Maximum force level (K1-K3)

Work pace (P1-P3)

This question refers to the maximum force level exerted by one This question asks about the difficulties that workers may
hand when performing the task. Even if the task is performed have keeping up with their work. If the answer is ‘often’, ask
with two hands, ask the worker about the force for one hand for more information about this aspect of the work. Record
only. this in the space at the bottom of the page.
Measures of the forces involved can be made by the
observer to inform any intervention that may be Stress (Q1-Q4)
introduced. However, this measure should be used to
supplement the exposure assessment and not to replace the This question asks how stressful the worker finds their job. If
worker’s perception of the force required to perform the task. the answer is ‘moderately’ or ‘very’, ask for more information
about this aspect of the job. Record this in the space at the
bottom of the page.
Scoring the assessment

The QEC Exposure Scores are based on combinations of To score the exposure assessment
risk factors identified by the observer for each body area and 1. Use the Exposure Scores sheet to determine the scores for
by the worker’s subjective responses. These scores represent each body area. For example, at the top left hand corner of
a hypothetical relationship between the the sheet for the Back:
increased level of exposure and potential health outcomes. • The first table shows the scores for combinations
Current epidemiological evidence is not sufficient to define the Posture (A1-3) and Weight (H1-4). Identify the
actual relationship for different working situations. corresponding exposure combination, e.g. the
Nevertheless the existing scoring system provides a basis for combination A2 and H2 would score 6, for A3 and H3
comparing the level of exposure before and after an score 10. Enter this in the ‘Score 1’ box at the bottom
intervention. In addition, increasing levels of exposure are right-hand corner.
signified by darker shading in the boxes on both the • Do this for the correct combination of factors for the
assessment and the scoring sheets. back, i.e. by calculating either scores 1 to 5 OR scores
1 to 3 plus score 6.
The assessment scores should be used to: • Then sum the total scores for the back.
• determine the comparative levels of exposure for each body
area 2. Repeat this procedure for each body area and other
• identify where exposures are highest, and consequently, factors (i.e. driving, vibration etc).
prioritise the issues that interventions should address.
3. Do this following both the initial assessment and any
The aim of an intervention is to reduce exposure scores. When intervention.
changes to a task are planned, an assessment should be done
based upon the improvements proposed. This will indicate the
potential benefits of the intervention and reveal if the
exposure to risk factors for any other body area is increased
inadvertently. Re-assessment should always be done
following the implementation of any intervention.
 Interpreting the scores

Exposure scores for body areas Even if the exposure score is Low, it is important to note that
The total score for each body area is determined from the one or two interactions may be contributing
interactions between the exposure levels for the relevant risk factors disproportionately to the score (i.e. a score of 8 or more).
(see table below), and their subsequent addition.
For Moderate, High and Very High scores, there are likely to be
several interactions that should be identified and reduced. It is
also possible that one or two interactions are at the highest
Important risk factors levels (i.e. 10 or 12) of exposure. These should be addressed
Back Wrist/hand urgently to reduce the level of exposure for these factors.
• load weight • force
• duration • duration These interactions should be monitored and reviewed as injury
• frequency of movement • frequency of movement to the body could occur if exposure continues.
• posture • posture
Shoulder/arm Neck Exposure scores for other factors
• load weight • duration The exposure scores for driving, vibration and work pace have
• duration • posture been categorised into three exposure categories: Low, Moderate,
• task height • visual demand High. Stress has a fourth category: Very High. Where scores are
• frequency of movement Moderate or High, or Very High, the level of exposure should be
reduced.
It is important to take note of which interactions contribute
most to the overall score for each body area. Exposure level
Score Low Moderate High Very High
The exposure scores for the back, shoulder/arm, wrist/hand Driving 1 4 9 -
and neck have been categorised into 4 exposure categories: Vibration 1 4 9 -
Low, Moderate, High or Very High. Work pace 1 4 9 -
Stress 1 4 9 16

Exposure level
Score Low Moderate High Very High
Back (static) 8-15 16-22 23-29 29-40
Back (moving) 10-20 21-30 31-40 41-56
Shoulder/arm 10-20 21-30 31-40 41-56
Wrist/hand 10-20 21-30 31-40 41-46
Neck 4-6 8-10 12-14 16-18
Interventions & re-assessment

Interventions

When seeking to make changes to reduce the exposure of

The information for the QEC assessment is provided by
workers to known risk factors for WMSDs, it is essential to
both the practitioner (observer) and the worker who has
consider all aspects of the work system so that optimal
direct experience of performing the task. Workers may
solutions can be achieved (see diagram below).
have good suggestions for improvement and their
participation will assist with the introduction of change.
Societal and cultural pressures This initial co-operation should be encouraged and should be
continued during the design and implementation of any
Legal and regulatory rules
changes that are made to the task, equipment and workplace.
Organisational and management behaviour
Interventions that focus solely on the worker (e.g. training,
Team and group behaviour selection) have been found of limited value in reducing or
preventing WMSDs. The ergonomics redesign approach is
therefore preferable.
Individual behaviour Physical ergonomics

Physical Devices
Re-assessment of exposure

(after Moray, 2000) Re-assessment should be undertaken following:

• changes in work processes,
The ergonomics approach seeks to re-design the work • changes in output levels e.g. due to seasonal demands,
system by considering the full range of relevant issues, • any workplace intervention.
including:
• Tasks undertaken Exposure assessment is an on-going process. Assessments
• Job demands records should be maintained to allow comparisons over time
• Equipment or work space for various work tasks. Additionally exposure records for
• Interactions between sets of equipment and groups of individual workers can be compiled.
people
• Work organisation Over the long-term, exposure data for different jobs should be
• Environmental factors generated and compared to other health indictors recorded at
• Overall system goals work (e.g. reported complaints or sickness absence).

QEC is helpful in addressing some aspects of the work The data from the exposure assessment/re-assessments can
system but it will be necessary to collect and use additional inform discussions with management on the priorities for
information. Appropriate methodologies can be found in a change and the comparative effectiveness of different
number of reference sources or advice solutions to reduce WMSDs.
can be sought from professional bodies (see appendix).
Appendix

Development of QEC Cost benefits

The Quick Exposure Check [QEC] was designed at the Robens
An approach to determine cost benefits of health and
Centre for Health Ergonomics to meet practitioners
safety interventions has been developed by European
requirements for a practical method of assessing exposure to
Safety and Health. Details of these can be found at:
WMSD risk factors in the workplace.
http://europe.osha.eu.int/good_practice/risks/msd/.
It was developed using a participatory ergonomics approach,
Legal requirements to prevent musculoskeletal
with 200 practitioners involved throughout the process. It was
disorders
developed, tested, modified and validated based upon both
The European Directives that provide protection for workers
simulated and real work tasks. The tasks covered a wide range
against developing Musculoskeletal Disorders are:
of work activities, such as manual handling, repetitive tasks,
static or dynamic tasks, seated or standing tasks, and tasks with
• Directive 89/391 - a general framework for risk
low or high visual demands.
identification and prevention.
• Directive 90/269 - identification and prevention of
Studies have shown that QEC has good sensitivity and
manual handling risks.
usability, ‘acceptable’ or ‘moderate levels of agreement’ for its
• Directive 90/270 - identification and prevention of risks
inter-observer reliability, and a good intra-observer reliability.
from work with display screen equipment, including
Field studies have indicated that it is reliable in a practical
minimum requirements for equipment, work environment and
context and suitable for a wide range of jobs.
computer interface.
• Directive 89/654 - minimum standards for workplaces,
including seating, lighting, temperature and work station
layout.
• Directive 89/655 - suitability of work equipment.
• Directive 89/656 - suitability of personal protective
equipment.
• Directive 98/37 - machinery (replaced Directive 89/392).
• Directive 93/104 - organisation of working time.

Details of these can be found at:

http://europe.osha.eu.int/legislation/directives/

These are supplemented by further Regulations and Guidance

within specific member states, e.g. Manual Handling
Operations (L23) and Upper Limb Disorders in the workplace
(HSG60) in the UK.
Professional societies and organisations Vibration
- In the Driving Seat. IND(G)242L. HSE Books, 1997.
- The Ergonomics Society http://www.ergonomics.org.uk
ISBN 0717613143.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg242.pdf
- Institution of Occupational Safety and Health
http://www.iosh.co.uk
- Health Risks from Hand-Arm Vibration - Advice for
Employers. G175(rev1). HSE Books, 1998.
- Health and Safety Executive http://www.hse.gov.uk
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg175.pdf
- Robens Centre for Health Ergonomics
- Power tools: How to Reduce Vibration Health Risks.
http://www.eihms.surrey.ac.uk/robens/erg/
INDG338. HSE Books, 2001.

- Mechanical Vibration: Measurement and Evaluation of

Journals, books and reports Human Exposure to Hand-Transmitted Vibration,
Part 1: General Requirements. ISO 5349-1:2001.
Upper limb disorders
http://www.iso.org
- Li G. and Buckle P. 1999, Evaluating Change in Exposure to
Risk for Musculoskeletal Disorders - a Practical Tool.
- Mechanical Vibration and Shock: Evaluation of Human
Suffolk, HSE Books CRR251
Exposure to Whole-Body Vibration, Part 1: General
http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/crr_pdf/1999/crr99251.pdf
Requirements. ISO 2631-1:1997. http://www.iso.org
- Moray N. 2000, Culture, politics and ergonomics,
Stress
Ergonomics, 43, 7, 858-868.
- Organisational Interventions for Work Stress - A Risk
Management Approach. CRR 286/2000. HSE, 2000. ISBN
- National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. 1997, 0717618382. http://www.hse.gov.uk/research
Musculoskeletal Disorders and Workplace Factors: a Critical
/crr_pdf/2000/crr00286a.pdf
Review of Epidemiological Evidence for Work-Related
Musculoskeletal Disorders of the Neck, Upper Extremity
- Work-Related Stress: A Short Guide. INDG281rev1.
and Low Back. Ed. BP Bernard. Cincinnatti, OH: NIOSH.
HSE, 2001. ISBN 071762112X.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg281.pdf
- Upper Limb Disorders in the Workplace. HSG60. HSE
Books, 2002. ISBN 0717619788
- Tackling Work-Related Stress: A Managers’ Guide to
Improving and Maintaining Employee Health and Well-
- Europe Under Strain: A Report on Trade Union Initiatives
being. HSG 218. HSE Books, 2001. ISBN 0717620506.
to Combat Workplace Musculoskeletal Disorders. Brussels:
TUTB, 1999. ISBN 2-930003-29-4
http://www.etuc.org/tutb/uk/
 Quick Exposure Check (QEC)

designed to:

es in exposure to musculoskeletal risk factors of the back, shoulders and arms, hands and wrists, and neck before and after an ergon
tioner (i.e. the observer) who conducts the assessment, and the worker who has direct experience of the task
n exposure scores following an intervention

ves more detailed information about each question and the background to QEC.

Worker’s name:

Worker’s job title:

Task:

Assessment conducted by:

Date:Time:

Action(s) required:
Worker’s name Date
Observer’s Assessment Worker’s Assessment
Back Workers
A When performing the task, is the back
H Is the maximum weight handled
(select worse case situation)
MANUALLY BY YOU in this
A1 Almost neutral? task?
A2 Moderately flexed or twisted or side bent? H1 Light (5 kg or less)
A3 Excessively flexed or twisted or side bent? H2 Moderate (6 to 10 kg)
B Select ONLY ONE of the two following task options: H3 Heavy (11 to 20kg)
H4 Very heavy (more than 20 kg)
EITHER
For seated or standing stationary tasks. Does the back
remain in a static position most of the time? J On average, how much time do you
spend per day on this task?
B1 No
J1 Less than 2 hours
B2 Yes
J2 2 to 4 hours
OR
J3 More than 4 hours
For lifting, pushing/pulling and carrying tasks
(i.e. moving a load). Is the movement of the back
B3 Infrequent (around 3 times per minute or less)? B4 K When performing this task, is the maximum
force level exerted by one hand?
Frequent (around 8 times per minute)?
K1 Low (e.g. less than 1 kg) K2
B5 Very frequent (around 12 times per minute or more)?
Medium (e.g. 1 to 4 kg) K3
High (e.g. more than 4 kg)
Shoulder/Arm
C When the task is performed, are the hands L Is the visual demand of this task
(select worse case situation) L1 Low (almost no need to view fine details)?
C1 At or below waist height?
*L2 High (need to view some fine details)?
C2 At about chest height?
C3 At or above shoulder height?
* If High, please give details in the box below

D Is the shoulder/arm movement M At work do you drive a vehicle for

D1 Infrequent (some intermittent movement)? M1 Less than one hour per day or Never?
D2 Frequent (regular movement with some pauses)? M2 Between 1 and 4 hours per day?
D3 Very frequent (almost continuous movement)? M3 More than 4 hours per day?

Wrist/Hand N At work do you use vibrating tools for

E Is the task performed with N1 Less than one hour per day or Never? N2
(select worse case situation)
Between 1 and 4 hours per day?
E1 An almost straight wrist?
N3 More than 4 hours per day?
E2 A deviated or bent wrist?

F Are similar motion patterns repeated P Do you have difficulty keeping up with this work?
F1 10 times per minute or less? P1 Never
F2 11 to 20 times per minute? P2 Sometimes
F3 More than 20 times per minute? *P3 Often
* If Often, please give details in the box below
Neck
G When performing the task, is the head/neck Q In general, how do you find this job
bent or twisted? Q1 Not at all stressful?
G1 No Q2 Mildly stressful?
G2 Yes, occasionally *Q3 Moderately stressful?
G3 Yes, continuously *Q4 Very stressful?
* If Moderately or Very, please give details in the box below

* Additional details for L, P and Q if appropriate

*L

*P
*Q
 Exposure Scores Worker’s name Date
Back Shoulder/Arm Wrist/Hand Neck
Back Posture (A) & Weight (H) Height (C) & Weight (H) Repeated Motion (F) & Force (K) Neck Posture (G) & Duration (J)
A1 A2 A3 C1 C2 C3 F1 F2 F3 G1 G2 G3

H1 2 4 6 H1 2 4 6 K1 2 4 6 J1 2 4 6

H2 4 6 8 H2 4 6 8 K2 4 6 8 J2 4 6 8

H3 6 8 10 H3 6 8 10 K3 6 8 10 J3 6 8 10

H4 8 10 12 H4 8 10 12 Score 1 Score 1

Score 1 Score 1

Back Posture (A) & Duration (J) Height (C) & Duration (J) Repeated Motion (F) & Duration (J) Visual Demand (L) & Duration (J)
A1 A2 A3 C1 C2 C3 F1 F2 F3 L1 L2
2 4
J1 2 4 6 J1 2 4 6 J1 2 4 6 J1 J2
J3 4 6
J2 4 6 8 J2 4 6 8 J2 4 6 8
6 8
J3 6 8 10 J3 6 8 10 J3 6 8 10

Score 2 Score 2 Score 2 Score 2

Duration (J) & Weight (H)

J1 J2 J3
Duration (J) & Weight (H) Duration (J) & Force (K)
H1 2 4 6 J1 J2 J3 J1 J2 J3 Total score for Neck
Sum of Scores 1 to 2
H2 4 6 8 H1 2 4 6 K1 2 4 6
H3 6 8 10 H2 4 6 8 K2 4 6 8 Driving
H4 8 10 12 H3 6 8 10 K3 6 8 10
Score 3 H4 8 10 12 Score 3 M1 M2 M3
1 4 9
Now do ONLY 4 if static Score 3
OR 5 and 6 if manual handling

Static Posture (B) & Duration (J) Frequency (D) & Weight (H) Wrist Posture (E) & Force (K)
B1 B2 D1 D2 D3 E1 E2
Total for Driving
J1 2 4 H1 2 4 6 K1 2 4 Vibration
J2 4 6 H2 4 6 8 K2 4 6

J3 6 8 H3 6 8 10 K3 6 8
N1 N2 N3
Score 4 H4 8 10 12 Score 4
1 4 9
Score 4
Frequency (B) & Weight (H)
Total for Vibration
B3 B4 B5

H1 2 4 6 Frequency (D) & (J) Wrist Posture (E) & Duration (J)
D1 D2 Duration E1 E2
H2 4 6 8 D3

H3 6 8 10 J1 2 4 6 J1 2 4

H4 8 10 12 J2 4 6 8 J2 4 6
Work pace
Score 5 J3 6 8 10 J3 6 8

Frequency (B) & Duration (J) Score 5 Score 5

B3 B4 B5 P1 P2 P3
1 4 9
J1 2 4 6

J2 4 6 8

J3 6 8 10 Total for Work pace

Score 6

Total score for Back

Sum of scores 1 to 4 OR Total score for Shoulder/Arm Total score for Wrist/Hand
Scores 1 to 3 plus 5 and 6 Sum of Scores 1 to 5 Sum of Scores 1 to 5
 Stress

Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
1 4 9 16

Total for Stress

NOTES