There are three key elements to assessing the risk:

• Understanding the risk factors that can lead to upper limb disorders
• Using the risk assessment tools that can help in assessing the risk
• Early warning signs that there may be a problem

Risk factors

The principal ULD risk factors are:

1. Task-related factors:

• Repetition – the more a task is repeated, the greater the risk.
• Working posture – if they are awkward and/or held for prolonged periods in a static or fixed position.
• Use of force
  • Handling objects (such as tools of moderate weight)
  • Fast movement or excessive force generated by the muscles of the body e.g. trying to undo a stiff bolt
  • Local force and stress from items coming into contact with parts of the upper limb e.g. the handle of a pair of pliers digging into the palm of the hand
• Duration – includes the length of time of the task in each shift, plus the number of working days the task is performed.

2. Environment-related factors:

• Working environment - includes factors such as vibration, temperature and lighting.
• Organisational factors – high workloads, tight deadlines, lack of control of the work. These risk factors not only lead to stress, but they can increase the risk of MSDs because stress related changes in the body such as increased muscle tension could make workers more susceptible to MSDs. These organisational issues are also called psychosocial risk factors.

3. Worker related factors:

Individual differences - there may be some people who are more or less likely to develop an ULD. Some factors may increase the risk of developing symptoms, these include:

• new employees may need time to acquire skills/rate of work
• differences in competence and skills
• workers of varying body sizes, ie height, reach. This can lead to adopting poor postures when working at shared workstations
• vulnerable groups, eg younger workers and new or expectant mothers
• health status and disability

A worker can develop a ULD as a result of activities outside the workplace. In this case, you need to ensure that this worker’s tasks do not make the injury worse.

Remember – The longer a worker is exposed to one or more of the above risk factors the greater the level of risk

Risk assessment tools

There are a number of tools you can use to assess the risks of upper limb disorders in your workplace. Some are more complex to use than others. However HSE has produced a ULD risk filter which will help you decide if a RA is required. Both the risk filter and the risk assessment sheets are provided below for you to use in your workplace.

• Upper limb disorders risk filter [121KB]
• Risk assessment worksheet [52KB]
• QEC (Quick Exposure Check)
• RULA ( rapid upper limb assessment)
• OWAS (Ovako working posture system)

Early warning signs

There may be problems in your workplace if you notice that workers:

• Take more time off for illness
• Report more injuries or pain and discomfort in the upper limbs
• Modify their workstations or tools they use
• Appear reluctant to perform particular tasks
• Wear bandages or splints

Some of these may not be obvious so you may need a system where employees and managers are asked to report these issues.