There is a wide variety of observational methods for analyzing the biomechanical exposure of workers in the work environment. Valentim et al. (2023) performed a systematic review of these methods and identified 10 explicit observational methods of analyzing biomechanical exposure with high quality of evidence and good measurement properties. The lack of studies that analyze the criteria, the specificity and the way in which these methods evaluate the exposure factors, and their dimensions (frequency, intensity, and magnitude) stimulated this study.

To present the characteristics and criteria of the 10 most observational methods with adequate reproducibility and validity measurement properties, and with acceptable quality of evidence.

This is an analytical and descriptive study of the 10 observational methods for analyzing the biomechanical exposure of workers identified in the systematic review by Valentim et al. (2023), being the most researched and with adequate properties for measuring reproducibility, validity, and acceptable quality. of evidence. Three professionals with knowledge and experience in using the methods carried out a weighted assessment, seeking to identify the main characteristics of each method (occupational task evaluated and main posture of analysis), in addition to data on risk factors, their dimensions and body segments of each method. Finally, the influence of each criterion on the risk exposure classification was evaluated, based on the partial and final scores.

Among the evaluated methods, seven of them present characteristics and criteria that allow a general evaluation of the worker in any main posture. The most evaluated risk factors were joint position and range of motion. The EAWS method is the method that most evaluates biomechanical exposure factors (nine out of the ten listed). The ACGIH HAL TLV and RULA do not assess all biomechanical exposure factors. ROSA is the method that evaluates a greater number of body segments. The trunk and isolated segments, such as the shoulder and wrist, are present in the evaluation of seven of the ten methods. The EAWS, PATH, REBA, ROSA, and RULA methods assess the lower limbs in general. Most of the criteria (exposure factors and body segments) evaluated by the 10 observational methods have a great influence on the classification of risk exposure.

The EWAS, OWAS, PATH, QEC, REBA, RULA and SI methods evaluate any task in general. The ACGIH HAL TLV and ROSA methods are directed to specific tasks. The assessment of biomechanical factors and body parts vary between each method and the most complete and detailed observational method among all analyzed in this study is the European Assembly Worksheet (EAWS).

Getting to know the methods better is essential and will help both in choosing the most appropriate method for the analysis and in choosing more assertive preventive measures in the work environment. Contributing to the decision-making of professionals and favoring the reduction of work-related musculoskeletal disorders.