The RAMP package for MSD risk management in manual handling – A freely accessible tool, with website and training courses

• Published in: Applied ergonomics 2020-07, Vol.86, p.103101, Article 103101
• Main Authors: Rose, Linda M., Eklund, Jörgen, Nord Nilsson, Lena, Barman, Linda, Lind, Carl M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied Medical Technology; Dissemination strategy; Education; Ergonomic; Ergonomics; Humans; Medicin och hälsovetenskap; MOOC; MOOC (Massive open online course); Musculoskeletal Diseases - etiology; Musculoskeletal Diseases - prevention & control; Occupational Diseases - etiology; Occupational Diseases - prevention & control; Occupational Health - education; online training; Risk assessment; Risk Assessment - methods; Risk Management; Risk Management - methods; Tillämpad medicinsk teknik; work-related injuries
• ISSN: 0003-6870; 1872-9126; 1872-9126
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2020.103101

In this paper the RAMP Package is presented with the objective to facilitate the application of the RAMP tool to systematically manage MSD risks. The package consists of the RAMP tool (Risk Assessment and Management tool for manual handling Proactively), the RAMP website, and free, globally available online, training courses (MOOCs). An Action module used for managing identified MSD risks is introduced. The tool, encompassing a wide range of risks, is applicable to the whole risk management process. Furthermore, RAMP is openly available for download, and free to use. The RAMP tool and training materials were developed using a participative iterative methodology including researchers and practitioners. RAMP was downloaded in 86 countries in the first 26 months since its' launch and over 2400 learners from high-, middle- and low-income countries have joined the MOOCs. The RAMP Package meets organisations’ needs for an accessible, comprehensive risk assessment and management tool. •Presents a new package consisting of a tool, a website and training courses for MSD risk management.•Supports the whole risk management process with novel results visualisation and an action module.•Disseminated to 86 countries in first 26 months, with many users in low-and-middle-income countries.