Working with horses: an OWAS work task analysis.

The research article discusses the analysis of physical strain on individuals working in horse stables, using the Ovako Working posture Analysis System (OWAS), to identify tasks that could potentially result in musculoskeletal problems. The study’s objective was to pinpoint harmful work tasks to deploy measures that could reduce the physical load.

Introduction to the Study

• The article starts by describing the nature of work in horse stables, which is still carried out manually, similar to centuries-old practices. Consequently, this sector dealing with large animals remains significantly less mechanized.
• People performing such work face multiple risk factors that can contribute to musculoskeletal problems. However, research on work tasks and workload specifics in this context had been lacking prior to this study.

Objective and Methodology

• The study aimed to estimate the postural load of the different tasks performed around horses to identify the ones that pose harm and needed preventative measures to lessen the physical burden.
• The study recorded the work activities of 20 subjects (comprising stable attendants and riding instructors) to acquire data for analysis.
• The Ovako Working posture Analysis System (OWAS) was used to assess the postural load and categorize the potential harm level of the work postures. OWAS is a system used for determining the potential health risks of different work postures and tasks.

Findings

• The study found that three work tasks – “mucking out”, “bedding preparation”, and “sweeping”, accounted for around 50% of work positions falling into the three OWAS categories (AC2 to AC4) where improvement measures are necessary.
• These tasks involved more than 60% of work postures where the back was bent, twisted, or both bent and twisted.

Implications and Preventative Measures

• The findings indicate a significant need to mitigate these workloads primarily through the development and introduction of improved tools, equipment, and work techniques.
• Such measures would aim to transform these tasks into less physically demanding roles, thereby preventing potential musculoskeletal injuries.