Introduction
The tool ART, assessment ofrepetitivetasks, is a tool published by the English HSE Association. It helps to prioritize the risks associated with the movements:
- Arms and hands.
- That repeat each minute or 2-3 minutes.
- Which appear at minima 1 to 2 hours per working day.
Note that if the elements make more 8kg and this induces manipulation, then the MAC tool will be used.
Step 1 – Complete the task description sheet
We fill out the overall description sheet of the task. It allows to set a framework and to have a global view of what is happening on this Position.
Step 2 – Perform a task evaluation
For the evaluation, the left or right part, which is most impacted by the task, is preferably evaluated. If there are doubts, evaluate both sides. The evaluation is in four stages:
- Movement of arms and frequency of movements
- Necessary Force
- Posture
- Other factors such as breaks, rhythm…
Each criterion is evaluated according to three levels:
- Green: Low risk
- Orange: Moderate risk to be considered
- Red: There is a risk, we must carry out actions as soon as possible.
Once the set of criteria is evaluated, the total score is calculated by summing each note. Then multiply the addition by the duration score, and the risk is identified according to the table below:
Exposure Score |
Level of risk |
Action to be implemented |
0 to 11 |
Low |
Evaluate on a case-by-case basis according to the abilities of each. |
12 to 21 |
Way |
Further investigations are necessary. |
22 and over |
High |
More precise investigations should be carried out as soon as possible |
Step 3 – Perform a work day evaluation
Most generally, one person does not perform a single task for one day of work, and changes jobs to another. Position In this case, the ART tool proposes to perform the evaluation of each task independently of each other and then to evaluate them to the global according to the relative time of each.
Two methods of calculation are then possible:
- Frequent: The person changes Position at minima every hour
- Non-Frequent: The person changes Position every 1 hour and more.
The interpretation of the results remains the same.
Limit
The advantage of the method is that it is simple and gives a first idea of the condition of the working conditions. Of course, because of its simplicity, the method obscures certain points:
- The order of tasks is not considered.
- The ability and competence of the person is not considered.
- The impact of the rotation on the psychological aspects is not considered.