The Assessment of Repetitive Tasks (ART) Tool

The ART Tool is designed to help assess tasks that require repetitive movement of the arms and hands. It assists in carrying out a risk assessment of some of the common risk factors in repetitive work that contribute to the development of Upper Limb Disorders (ULDs). The HSE says it is intended for people with responsibility for the design, assessment, management, and inspection of repetitive work typically found in assembly, production, processing, packaging, packing and sorting work, as well as work involving regular use of hand tools. It also makes clear that it is not designed for Display Screen Equipment (DSE) risk assessments.

The ART tool uses a numerical score and a “traffic light” approach to indicate the level of risk for twelve factors, grouped into four stages:

• frequency and repetition of movements;

• force;

• awkward postures of the neck, back, arm, wrist and hand; and

• additional factors, including breaks and duration.

The factors are presented on a flow chart, which leads the person carrying out the risk assessment, step-by-step, to evaluate and grade the degree of risk. The tool is supported by an assessment guide, providing instruction to help score the repetitive task being observed and a worksheet to record the assessment. However, the HSE says that training is recommended to ensure that assessors use the ART tool reliably and appropriately.

The ART Tool can be downloaded from the HSE website at: www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg438.pdf