Interrater reliability of the Utah ergo analyzer

Various studies have been done in an ongoing effort to assist ergonomists in determining risk factors for the development of Upper Extremity Cumulative Trauma Disorders (UECTDs). The University of Utah developed a methodology to assist ergonomists in determining these occupational risk factors; this methodology was built around a computer program that has been named the Utah Ergo Analyzer. The Utah Ergo Analyzer has the ability to systematically analyze video segments of jobs and perform detailed analysis. In order to have a method that is capable of adequately predicting occupational risk factors, that method must be repeatable and reliable. In order to determine the reliability of the Utah Ergo Analyzer, this study evaluated the use of this program among two separate groups within two separate time periods or phases. The two groups included Novice users and trained Analysts. The Novice group had little or no training or experience with the Utah Ergo Analyzer, while the trained Analysts had various levels of experience and training with the Ergo Analyzer program. The Novice group included occupational safety and health students with some knowledge of ergonomics. The analyst group was composed of students studying ergonomics specifically.