What is the ART tool?
The Assessment of Repetitive Tasks (ART) tool is designed to help you risk assess tasks that require repetitive movement of the upper limbs (arms and hands). It assists you in assessing some of the common risk factors in repetitive work that contribute to the development of Upper Limb Disorders (ULDs).
The ART tool is intended for people with responsibility for the design, assessment, management, and inspection of repetitive work.
Repetitive tasks are typically found in assembly, production, processing, packaging, packing and sorting work, as well as work involving regular use of hand tools.
ART is not intended for Display Screen Equipment (DSE) assessments.
Why use the ART Tool?
The ART tool is a method that helps to:
- Identify repetitive tasks that have significant risks and where to focus risk reduction measures
- Prioritise repetitive tasks for improvement
- Consider possible risk reduction measures
- Meet legal requirements to ensure the health and safety of employees who perform repetitive work
How does it work?
The ART tool uses a numerical score and a traffic light approach to indicate the level of risk for twelve factors. These factors are grouped into four stages:
- A: Frequency and repetition of movements
- B: Force
- C: Awkward postures of the neck, back, arm, wrist and hand
- D: Additional factors, including breaks and duration
The factors are presented on a flow chart, which leads you, step-by-step, to evaluate and grade the degree of risk. The tool is supported by an assessment guide, providing instruction to help you to score the repetitive task you are observing. There is also a worksheet to record your assessment.
Training is recommended to help you use the ART tool reliably and appropriately. If you would like to find out more about the ART tool, on this website you can find:
- A walkthrough showing how the ART tool is used to score a repetitive task
- More detailed information on learning to use the ART tool