The following is a guide to preparing a videotape and related task information for facilitating job analyses and assessments of risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

Materials needed:

Video camera and blank tapes. Spare batteries (at least 2) and battery charger. Clipboard, pens, paper, blank checklists. Stopwatch, strain gauge (optional) for weighing objects

Videotaping Procedures:

1. To verify the accuracy of the video camera to record in real time, videotape a worker or job with a stopwatch running in the field of view for at least 1 min. The play-back of the tape should correspond to the lapsed time on the stopwatch.

2. Announce the name of the job on the voice channel of the video camera before the taping of any job. Restrict running time comments to the facts. Make no editorial comments.

3. Tape each job long enough to observe all aspects of the task. Tape 5 to 10 min for all jobs, including at least 10 complete cycles. Fewer cycles may be needed if all aspects of the job are recorded at least 3 to 4 times.

4. Hold the camera still, using a tripod if available. Don't walk unless absolutely necessary.

5. Begin taping each task with a whole-body shot of the worker. Include the seat/chair and the surface the worker is standing on. Hold this for 2 to 3 cycles, then zoom in on the hands/arms or other body parts which may be under stress due to the job task.

6. It is best to tape several workers to determine if workers of varying body size adopt different postures or are affected in other ways. If possible, try to tape the best and worst case situations in terms of worker "fit" to the job.

The following suspected upper body problems suggest focusing on the parts indicated:


— wrist problems/complaints . . . . . . . hands/wrists/forearms
— elbow problems/complaints . . . . . . . arms/elbows
— shoulder problems/complaints . . . . . arms/shoulders

For back and lower limb problems, the focus would be on movements of the trunk of the body and leg, knee, and foot areas under stress due to task loads or other requirements.

7. Video from whatever angles are needed to capture the body part(s) under stress.

8. Briefly tape the jobs performed before and after the one under actual study to see how the targeted job fits into the total department process.

9. For each taped task, obtain the following information to the maximum extent possible:

— if the task is continuous or sporadic
— if the worker performs the work for the entire shift, or if there is rotation with other workers
— measures of work surface heights and chair heights and whether adjustable
— weight, size and shape of handles and textures for tools in use; indications of vibration in power tool usage
— use of hand wear
— weight of objects lifted, pushed, pulled, or carried
— nature of environment in which work is performed–(too cold or too hot?)