Affiliations: Ergonomics and Human Performance Laboratory,
Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University,
Hong Kong, China
Note: [] Corresponding author: Andy S.K. Cheng, Department of
Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom,
Kowloon, Hong Kong, China. Tel.: +852 2766 5396; Fax: +852 2330 8656; E-mail:
andy.cheng@polyu.edu.hk
Abstract: This article is a case presentation of an onsite ergonomic
assessment of the risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders
(WMSDs) among three cooks working at a medium-sized Chinese restaurant in Hong
Kong. The weight of workload was measured during the onsite assessment and the
Ovako Working Posture Analysis System (OWAS), Rapid Upper Limb Assessment
(RULA), and National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
lifting equation used to assess the risk of WMSDs. The results showed that
these cooks usually had to hold utensils for extended periods of time, toss
woks, and barbecue meat, all of which demanded a lot of repetitive movements of
the upper limbs. Future research is needed on the implementation of effective
prevention measures, including administrative and ergonomic controls, to reduce
the problems within this industry associated with such high-risk tasks.
Keywords: Ovako Working Posture Analysis, Rapid Upper Limb Assessment, National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health lifting
equation, Chinese restaurant
