title: Photograph-based ergonomic evaluations using the Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA).
abstract: The Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA) was developed to assess musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) risk factors for computer workstations. This study examined the validity and reliability of remotely conducted, photo-based assessments using ROSA. Twenty-three office workstations were assessed on-site by an ergonomist, and 5 photos were obtained. Photo-based assessments were conducted by three ergonomists. The sensitivity and specificity of the photo-based assessors' ability to correctly classify workstations was 79% and 55%, respectively. The moderate specificity associated with false positive errors committed by the assessors could lead to unnecessary costs to the employer. Error between on-site and photo-based final scores was a considerable ∼2 points on the 10-point ROSA scale (RMSE = 2.3), with a moderate relationship (ρ = 0.33). Interrater reliability ranged from fairly good to excellent (ICC = 0.667-0.856) and was comparable to previous results. Sources of error include the parallax effect, poor estimations of small joint (e.g. hand/wrist) angles, and boundary errors in postural binning. While this method demonstrated potential validity, further improvements should be made with respect to photo-collection and other protocols for remotely-based ROSA assessments.
authors.affiliation: Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L8, Canada.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Liebregts
authors.affiliation: Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L8, Canada. Electronic address: sonnemw@mcmaster.ca.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sonne
authors.affiliation: Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L8, Canada.
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Potvin
mesh_terms: D016287:Computer Peripherals / Q000592:standards; D003201:Computers / Q000592:standards; D006804:Ergonomics / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D015588:Observer Variation; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D010781:Photography / Q000379:methods; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D017132:Workplace / Q000592:standards
keywords: Office ergonomics; Photo-based assessments; Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA)