Definition - What does Repetitiveness mean?

Repetitiveness characterizes something as being performed multiple times, or repeated. In the field of ergonomics, repetitiveness refers to a worker performing the same action repeatedly and is considered a risk factor for the development of musculoskeletal disorders. Repetitiveness may also be referred to as frequency.

SureHire explains Repetitiveness

Many jobs are repetitive, requiring the same set of steps to be performed over and over again throughout the working day. This repetitiveness results in the same joint and muscle groups being frequently exerted. While repetitiveness is considered a risk factor, when evaluating the ergonomic impact of a task, repetitiveness is seldom considered alone. Instead, it is considered along with the intensity and duration of the work. These three factors together determine the risk associated with a particular job design.

When used as a multiplier to evaluate a job's safety, repetitiveness is called the task's frequency factor. A job that presents a high risk of musculoskeletal harm may be modified by lowering the number of repetitions performed over a specific period. In other words, the job may be improved by reducing its frequency factor.

Higher degrees of repetitiveness are often associated with higher levels of risk. However, because repetitiveness must be considered in conjunction with duration and intensity, no set threshold limit has been defined for repetitiveness alone.

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