A checklist extension of VIDAR - a participative video-based method for ergonomic evaluation

There is a need for easy-to-use methods for assessments of exposure. VIDAR was presented at IEA 2003; an employee is first video-recorded when performing his/her daily work. He/she is then asked to identify physically and psychologically demanding situations. In this project, we have followed a request from practitioners and extended the method with a checklist, the Quick Exposure Check (QEC). When the employee has identified a physically demanding situation he/she is now, as before, asked about body region of discomfort, the level of pain or discomfort, the task description, occurrences per time unit. The additional questions concern: Handled weight, handled weight with one hand, duration, and visual requirements. The film is run through and several situations may be identified. The ergonomist later edit the situations, the QEC observer checklist is implemented to input; degree of static/dynamic work, and work postures for the back, shoulder-arm, wrist-hand and neck. It is easy to make a printout, and the reports are suitable as a basis for discussions in improvement groups. The first tests of the extended method indicate that the new options add value to the analysis with only a small increase of time consumption.