Intra-observer reliability test of the assessment items

Seyyed Ali Moussavi-Najarkola AJE Vol.9 2009 76 The CEI method is a new model for assessing exposure to various risk factors that can cause UEMSDs in repetitive tasks. The method utilizes concepts from the OCRA method 10, the SI method 12, CEN 15, Kilbom 16 and ECSC 21,22,23. A CEI score of 2 must be achieved to prevent the incidence of UEMSDs. CEI can be used for classifying safe and hazardous tasks, and for proposing design solutions to correct awkward workplace situations. The model requires reliability and validation, particularly by means of a parallel and continuous study of induced UEMSDs in groups of exposed workers. CEI considers various risk factors. Parallel investigations are required to find more reasonable relationships between clinical effects and calculated index scores. Based on results obtained from tests, the model is found to be sensitive for assessing the interventions and changes in exposure and assessment items before and after ergonomic intervention. The model is also reliable, valid and applicable for a vast range of tasks and jobs. Assessment reliability, validity and exposure index applicability may improve if assessors’ training is improved. In test results the CEI model achieved “acceptable” inter-observer, intra-observer and validity agreement. References Nordin M, Andersson G 1997. Musculoskeletal Disorders in the workplace: Principles and practice . Mosby–year Book Inc. Buckle P, Devereux J 2002. The nature of work–related neck and upper limb musculoskeletal disorders. Applied ergonomics, 333:207-17. Bernard BP 1997. Musculoskeletal disorders workplace factors: A critical review of epidemiological evidence for work-related musculoskeletal disorders of the neck, upper extremity, and low back pain . 1 st ed. Department of Health and Human Services DHHS NIOSH Press, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA, pp.: 183-97. Putz-Anderson V1994. Cumulative trauma,a manual for musculoskeletal disprders of the upper limb . Taylor Francis Publishing. London. UK. Hagberg M, Silverstein B,Wells R, et al. 1995. Identification, measurement and evaluation of risk . In: work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders. A Reference Book for Prevention . Eds, I Kuorinka and L Foreier. Taylor Francis Publishing. 1 st Ed. London and Philadelphia. UK. Drury CG 1987. A biomechanical evaluation of the repetitive motion injury potential of industrial jobs, Seminars on Occupational Medicine. 2: 41-49. Silverstein BA, Fine LJ, Armstrong TJ 1986. Hand-wrist cumulative trauma disorders in industry. British Journal of Industrial Medicine, 43: 779-784. Tanaka J, Mcglothin JD 1993. A conceptual quantitative model for prevention of work-related carpal tunnel syndrome. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics , 11: 181-193 . Dempsey P G 1993.A critical review of biomechanical, epidemiological, physiological and psychological criteria for designing manual materials handling tasks. Ergonomics, 41: 73-88. Occhipinti E 1998. OCRA: a concise index for the assessment of exposure to repetitive movements of the upper limbs. Ergonomics, 41: 1290-1311.