Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) This ergonomic assessment tool uses a systematic process to evaluate whole body postural MSD and risks associated with job tasks. A single page worksheet is used to evaluate required or selected body posture, forceful exertions, type of movement or action, repetition, and coupling. The REBA was designed for easy use without need for an advanced degree in ergonomics or expensive equipment. You only need the worksheet and a pen. On second thought, you probably should finish reading and studying this guide, and I suppose a clipboard would help as well. Using the REBA worksheet, the evaluator will assign a score for each of the following body regions: wrists, forearms, elbows, shoulders, neck, trunk, back, legs and knees. After the data for each region is collected and scored, tables on the form are then used to compile the risk factor variables, generating a single score that represents the level of MSD risk: Getting Ready The evaluator should prepare for the assessment by interviewing the worker being evaluated to gain an understanding of the job tasks and demands, and observing the worker’s movements and postures during several work cycles. Selection of the postures to be evaluated should be based on: 1) the most difficult postures and work tasks (based on worker interview and initial observation), 2) the posture sustained for the longest period of time, or 3) the posture where the highest force loads occur. The REBA can be conducted quickly, so multiple positions and tasks within the work cycle can usually be evaluated without a significant time/effort cost. When using REBA, only the right or left side is assessed at a time. After interviewing and observing the worker the evaluator can determine if only one arm should be evaluated, or if an assessment is needed for both sides. Using the REBA – Example The REBA worksheet is divided into two body segment sections on the labeled A and B. Section A (left side) covers the neck, trunk, and leg. Section B (right side) covers the arm and wrist. This segmenting of the worksheet ensures that any awkward or constrained postures of the neck, trunk or legs which might influence the postures of the arms and wrist are included in the assessment. Score Group A (Trunk, Neck and Legs) postures first, then score Group B (Upper Arms, Lower Arms, and Wrists) postures for left and right. For each region, there is a posture scoring scale and additional adjustments which need to be considered and accounted for in the score. Steps 1-3: Neck, Trunk and Leg Analysis

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