Methodologies: Engineering, Product Design, Project Management

OWAS (Ovako Working Posture Analysis System)

Continuous Improvement, Corrective Action, Design for Sustainability, Ergonomics, Human Factors, Human-Centered Design, Process Improvement, Risk Management, Safety

OWAS (Ovako Working Posture Analysis System)

Continuous Improvement, Corrective Action, Design for Sustainability, Ergonomics, Human Factors, Human-Centered Design, Process Improvement, Risk Management, Safety

Objective:

An observational method for identifying and evaluating poor working postures.

How it’s used:

Classifies postures of the back, arms, and legs, and the weight of the load handled. Each posture combination is assigned a code indicating the level of MSD risk and the need for corrective action.

Pros

Simple and quick to learn and use; provides a clear action category system; suitable for analyzing various types of work.

Cons

Less detailed than some other postural analysis methods; primarily focuses on posture and load, less on repetition or duration; inter-observer reliability needs to be ensured.

Categories:

Ergonomics

Best for:

Identifying and evaluating harmful working postures to prioritize ergonomic interventions.

The Ovako Working Posture Analysis System (OWAS) is particularly beneficial in manufacturing, construction, healthcare, and logistics industries where workers frequently perform physically demanding tasks. The methodology can be applied during the design phase of workplaces or tasks, allowing continuous evaluation to adapt working environments and reduce the potential risks of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Implementation typically involves a collaborative effort between ergonomists, safety officers, and managers, who identify and assess specific job tasks that may contribute to poor posture and associated health risks. By categorizing postures into actionable codes, OWAS facilitates straightforward communication of risk levels, enabling teams to prioritize interventions effectively. This function makes it well-suited for job hazard analyses, regular safety audits, and employee training programs, ensuring that ergonomics become an integral part of workplace safety culture. Training sessions can be structured to quickly educate workers on proper lifting techniques and body mechanics that align with OWAS findings. Companies utilizing this tool can also benefit from improved employee satisfaction and decreased absenteeism due to healthier work practices, reinforcing a commitment to occupational safety and workforce well-being.

Key steps of this methodology

Identify the work task and understand the context in which it is performed.
Classify the postures of the back, arms, and legs based on predefined OWAS codes.
Assess the weight of the load handled during the task and note any relevant details.
Combine the posture codes for back, arms, and legs along with the load weight to determine the overall risk level.
Refer to the action category system to evaluate the need for corrective actions based on the assigned risk level.

Pro Tips

Regularly update your OWAS database to include emerging postural patterns and load handling scenarios specific to your industry.
Implement cross-functional training for team members on using OWAS effectively, ensuring consistent assessments across departments.
Utilize OWAS data to drive continuous improvement initiatives, focusing on trends over time to evaluate the efficacy of ergonomic interventions.

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