Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
44
The Washington State
SHARP Approach to
Exposure Assessment
44.1 Introduction . ............................. 44-1
44.2 Exposure Parameters, Measurement Strategy, and
Measurement Methods ...................... 44-1
Self-Report Questionnaires
†
Observational
Methods
†
Direct Measurement Methods
44.3 SHARP Study Exposure Assessment Methods ..... 44-8
Job Sampling
†
On-Site Data Collection
†
Job Analysis
(Significant Force Analysis)
†
Posture Analysis, Event Based
vs. Time Based
†
Repetitive Exertion Analysis
†
Repetitive
Movement Analysis
†
Work Organization Measurement
44.4 Summary
Stephen Bao
Barbara Silverstein
Ninica Howard
Peregrin Spielholz
Washington State Department of
Labor & Industries
. . . ............................. 44-19
44.1 Introduction
Understanding the relationships between workplace exposure parameters and the health outcomes of the
musculoskeletal system is the basis for preventing and reducing work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
Quantification of exposure parameters is critical in epidemiological studies as well as ergonomics appli-
cations. Methods used for the exposure assessment vary depending on the purpose of the applications
and feasibilities of using these methods. This chapter discusses the various exposure parameters at
workplaces related to work-related upper extremity disorders, measurement strategies, and some
exposure assessment methods used in epidemiological studies. The exposure assessment approach
used by SHARP in a large prospective study of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders is presented
and discussed.
44.2 Exposure Parameters, Measurement Strategy, and
Measurement Methods
Workplace exposure parameters associated with the development of upper extremity musculoskeletal
disorders include work organization variables and various physical exposures of the jobs. The National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) published a critical review of the evidence for
44-1
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