Ovako work posture Analysis Method(OWAS) as an assessment Technique for Ergonomic Risk In the Norwegian Petroleum Industry.

Abstract

This thesis focuses on occupational safety, looking at what characterizes ergonomic risk in the Norwegian petroleum industry from Major accidents that also threaten human life. It also looks at the different ergonomic assessment methods used for both offshore and shore workers which could lead to Musculoskeletal disorders. The objective is to see how effective these assessment methods are in reducing workplace injuries for personnel. The three assessment methods discussed in this thesis are the Rapid entire body assessment method(RULA), the Rapid upper limb assessment method(REBA), and the Ovako working posture assessment method(OWAS). These three methods have a common assessment approach of using a coding format and categorization table to identify postural risk and for decision making. The RULA and REBA methods are specific for particular body parts to be evaluated, however, the OWAS method puts into consideration postures that affect the back, legs, arms, and weight. It is for this reason that this thesis will be using the OWAS method as an example to illustrate how an ergonomic risk assessment is carried out. It could be seen that the OWAS method did not prove to be a very reliable assessment technique for ergonomics, hence a discussion is later made on how this method can be improved for better postural risk identification.