Learn how to perform an ergonomic assessment in Knowella using a structured, AI-enabled workflow to improve safety and reduce risk.
Ergonomics is the science of designing work, tasks, and environments to fit the user, rather than forcing the user to adapt to poor design.
A well-run ergonomic assessment helps reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), improves productivity, and enhances overall comfort and safety at the workplace. This article explains, in a simple and user-friendly way, how to run an ergonomic assessment using a modern, AI-enabled workflow.
Step 1: Understanding Ergonomics
Before starting the assessment, it is important to understand what ergonomics means. Ergonomics focuses on evaluating posture, movements, loads handled, repetition, and work environment conditions. The goal is to identify risky postures or activities and suggest improvements that make work safer and more efficient.
Step 2: Creating the Ergonomic Form (Build App Phase)
The ergonomic assessment begins with creating a form using the Build App option. During this step, ergonomics is added as a dedicated component in the form. Users can select the Ergonomics or Postural Analysis option, which activates features designed specifically for posture-based assessments.
Key options available while building the form include:
- Option to blur the video background for better privacy and clearer posture detection
- Mandatory inclusion of REBA (Rapid Entire Body Assessment) and RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment) methods for standardized evaluation
Step 3: Form Submission and Video Upload
Once the form is published and submitted, the user can upload a video of the task or activity being analyzed. The platform allows users to trim the video so that only the relevant portion of the task is assessed. This improves accuracy and reduces noise in the analysis.
Step 4: The Four Phases of Ergonomic Assessment
1. Initial Processing
In the initial processing phase, the uploaded video is analyzed using the selected ergonomic parameters such as REBA, RULA, and other relevant methods (for example, NIOSH, Snook, or MAC if selected). The user enters required parameters, and the system generates visual graphs showing posture and risk levels. This helps users quickly understand the current ergonomic risk.
2. Improvement Video
In the improvement phase, the user can re-upload a new video after making corrective changes to posture, workstation setup, or task execution. This allows organizations to test whether the suggested improvements actually reduce ergonomic risk.
3. Comparison
The comparison phase visually compares the initial video and the improvement video. Side-by-side graphs highlight changes in posture scores and risk levels. This makes it easy to see whether ergonomic interventions were effective.
4. AI Insights and Feedback
In the final phase, AI generates risk-level suggestions and actionable feedback. The system provides clear recommendations such as posture adjustments, task redesign, or workstation changes. This helps users and safety teams make informed decisions backed by data.
Step 5: Using Results for Continuous Improvement
After completing all phases, the ergonomic assessment results can be used to improve workplace design, train employees, and reduce injury risks. Repeating assessments over time ensures continuous improvement and long-term ergonomic safety.
Conclusion
By following this structured approach, running an ergonomic assessment becomes simple, consistent, and highly effective. The combination of video analysis, standardized methods, visual graphs, and AI-driven insights ensures better safety outcomes and a healthier workforce.
Need more help?
If you need assistance with ergonomic assessments or AI analysis features, contact: support@knowella.com
