ABSTRACT
Considering the existing risk assessment methods it is important to perform this comparison between the evaluation of workplaces according to RAMBoS and workers responses obtained through MSNQ. This study aims, through this comparison, to check whether the results obtained in RAMBoS will meet the self-reported symptoms by workers. To accomplish our objective we
1 INTRODUCTION
When analysing the WRMSDs development, the continuous exposure to risk factors initially leads to intermittent symptoms that become gradually constant (Ranney, 2000). The correct and detailed knowledge of the workplaces associated with the risk assessment, allows the development of procedures to reduce the risk of developing this type of injury (Kuorinka & Forcier, 1995). Traditional methods of risk assessment report, usually, a general classification of the workplace (Uva, 2006). The specific body area in which fatigue is developed can be different when discussing different workplaces, or even when evaluating the same workplace by different methods. Therefore, it is pertinent to evaluate a workplace focusing on the most affected areas of the body. A Risk Assessment Methodology by Body Section (RAMBoS) is an observational method that is based on the range of movements and traditional methodologies for risk assessment of WRMSDs, in order to classify this risk specifically for each body zone, referencing it in a body chart (Carrelhas, 2010). This methodology considers a way to assess all movements, postures and risk factors present in a workplace with a weighting of additional described factors, such as repeatability and strength. Apart from that, it is also possible that there are other risk factors, such as vibration, skin compression by objects or tools or work rate (Carrelhas, 2010).
