risk identification with a particular tool: risk assessment and management of repetitive movements

background: up to today, the most complete risk assessment tool for repetitive movements of upper limbs has been the occupational repetitive actions (ocra) method. the index of the analysis is relatively accurate. several risk factors such as repeated motion, force, body condition, additional effective factors and return period can be useful for future preventive measures. the present study evaluated the risk factors for upper limb repetitive movements with ocra index and was conducted in isfahan’s handicraft jobs, iran. methods: in this cross-sectional study, a compilation of four methods of data collection including observation, interviews, nordic questionnaire and repetitive job activity index (ocra) was used. the crafts in isfahan included relief etching, etching mesh, simple etching, calico work, enamels, tile work, gilding, inlay, coppersmith, and miniature. the study included 94 men who were randomly selected. nordic questionnaire for risk identification and ocra index for risk assessment and management of repetitive movements were used. in total, for right and left hand 94 tasks were investigated. findings: significant differences between the ocra index averages in 10 jobs were observed (p < 0.001). this indicated that the significant correlation between the level and type of job was the orca index. in these jobs the risk level in the right hand was significantly higher compared to the left hand (p < 0.001), which indicated the inequality of ocra index in left and right hand (p < 0.001). conclusion: the incidence of skeletal-muscle disorder symptoms in workers of craft jobs was high. furthermore, the corrective action level that was obtained based on ocra method indicates harmful conditions and working environment in these professions. the highest scores of ocra index were related to inlay simple etching task (p < 0.001) and inlay, etching bold, coppersmith, etching mesh, enamel, tile, miniature, illumination, working pens were in lower risk levels respectively.