Ovako Working Analyzing System

The OWAS method which translated means, Ovako Work posture Analysis System, was proposed by the Finnish authors Osmo Karhu, Pekka Kansi and Likka Kuorinka in 1977 under the title, Correction of working postures in industry, a practical method for the analysis, and published in the journal “Applied Economics”.
The tool was developed by Ovako Oyl Steel Co. The collaboration of engineers dedicated to the study of work in the Finnish steel industry, industry workers and a group of ergonomists, allowed the authors to draw valid conclusions and extrapolate the analysis, leaving the conclusions reflected in the proposal of the OWAS tool.
The method consists of a process of collecting and evaluating data referring to individuals in the work environment, in which the actions performed by arms, legs, back and the force factor are systematically observed, followed by a classification of postures that are possibly harmful to the health of the individual human.