ABSTRACT
The OCupational Repetitive Actions (OCRA) and STRAIN INDEX methods include a multifactorial study of biomechanical overload of the upper limbs and are recommended by the international standard ISO 11228-3: this standard defines OCRA as the preferred method; HAL –American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygenists is also included in this group but does not cover working postures. The postures will be the ones adopted for the longest time or that appear to be the most awkward or uncomfortable. Essentially, the observer makes a subjective decision to extrapolate the posture to be analyzed; it is like taking a snapshot of the task. The Revised Niosh Lifting Equation used for the study of biomechanical overload in manual lifting is a multifactorial method. Besides postures, both consider other risk factors such as repetitive tasks, sustained static work, and the use of force; however, the greatest contribution comes from posture.
