Video Collection

Taking video of workers for MSD hazard ID and risk assessment

Video of a job or task may be taken for multiple reasons.

Video may be necessary in the screening phase. The purpose may include:

• for slowing down fast movements of the upper limb or 
• to maintain a record of a job or
• for simply communicating information about the job for members of the risk assessment team and others who did not observe the work.

If it is decided that a more comprehensive risk assessment is required then video may provide essential input into some observational methods and many comprehensive assessment methods. Its purposes may include:

• for slowing down fast movements of the body, especially upper limb or
• for timing of cycle times or grasp times
• for measurement of body segment angles
• for measurement of dimensions

The requirements for using video for quantitative risk assessment are much stricter than those for screening and require much more time and effort.

Suggested steps

1. Understand the position and function of the task in the overall work process
2. Coordinate with employer and supervisor and workers’ representatives as appropriate
3. Coordinate with worker(s) and describe privacy and confidentiality issues, the purpose of the video and specific use to be made of it and obtain informed consent if available.
4. Assess lighting, layout and any safety concerns for the video person
5. Identify the job, worker, time, product etc either electronically or (low-tech) video taping a board with written information in the field of view. A method of synchronization of the video with other measures may  be appropriate
6. A vertical marker with dimensions is needed
7. Video recording. For each task of interest
   • For short cyclic jobs a rule of thumb of 10 cycles or 10 minutes is commonly suggested.
   • For work with workers perform multiple task, or there is no clear work cycle or the work cycle is long a step of listing all tasks and performing a screening step to identify tasks that may be most problematic or have MSD hazards is needed. Video recordings of only these selected tasks is then performed
8. Taking the Video
   • Video of the workspace
   • Whole body view
   • Upper and lower body view
   • Back/front, side and top (if available) view of worker
   • Close-ups as required
   • Jobs before and after job of interest
   • Review tape before leaving area
   • Thank workers/supervisors etc. and provide contact information
9. Thank workers/supervisors etc. and provide contact information