Using body mapping as part of the risk assessment process - a case study

David Thomas*, Billy Hare, Iain Cameron

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Citations (Scopus)
825 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

This paper reports on a study undertaken to identify levels of MSD in relation to methods of waste collection. The need to quantify and eliminate ill health arising out of work is vital to reduce workplace absence leading to debate on associated relationships between the methods of waste collection and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Body mapping is a participatory research tool that has been successfully used to investigate workplace ill health problems. Participatory body mapping exercises were carried out using staff at a UK District Council 2 years before and after the move from boxes and baskets to a wheeled bin recycling service. The study introduces the concept of Average Pain Count (APC). The data, supports previous studies showing wheeled bin based services (APC 2.07 & 2.80) are associated with less MSD outcomes than services including boxes, baskets and sacks (APC 4.02).The surveys provided compelling evidence to suggest that there are associations between age and self reported pain although there appeared to be no patterns with regards length of service. These findings should help Local Authorities better understand critical factors regarding waste collection strategies and self reported pain. There are recommendations regarding the use of body mapping and for industry practice.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)224-240
Number of pages17
JournalPolicy and Practice in Health and Safety
Volume16
Issue number2
Early online date11 Aug 2018
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2018

Keywords

  • Musculoskeletal disorder (MSD)
  • body mapping
  • domestic recycling collection
  • epidemiology
  • ill health absence

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health(social science)
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Health Policy
  • Safety Research

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Using body mapping as part of the risk assessment process - a case study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this