What is REBA?
REBA (Rapid Entire Body Assessment) is a posture-based screening tool for whole-body musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) risk. You score body segments, then add load, coupling, and activity modifiers to get a single score from 1 to 15 with action bands.
This free calculator walks through the main REBA inputs for a single snapshot posture. It complements the NIOSH lifting calculator (best for repetitive lifts) and does not replace a full ergonomics assessment.
REBA Ergonomic Calculator
REBA · Rapid Entire Body Assessment
Score a snapshot posture for whole-body MSD risk. Simplified digital walkthrough — confirm against your printed REBA tables for formal assessments.
Formula: REBA score from posture tables A + B + C (1–15)
- Score the worst regular posture, not the most comfortable one.
- Pair high scores with redesign — not PPE alone.
- For repetitive lifting limits, also use the NIOSH lifting calculator.
Indicative REBA action bands
| Score | Risk level | Typical action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Negligible | No action needed |
| 2–3 | Low | May need change |
| 4–7 | Medium | Further investigation; change soon |
| 8–10 | High | Investigate and change soon |
| 11–15 | Very high | Change immediately |
How to score well
- Score the worst posture that occurs regularly, not the most comfortable pose.
- Use the same observer method across tasks so scores compare.
- Pair high scores with engineering and job redesign — not PPE alone.
Frequently asked questions
Is REBA the same as RULA?
No. RULA focuses on upper limbs; REBA covers the entire body including legs and trunk. Use RULA for seated upper-limb work and REBA for mixed or standing whole-body tasks.
Can I average several postures?
REBA is usually scored per posture snapshot. For multi-step jobs, score each demanding step or use a time-weighted ergonomics method your procedure specifies.
Does a low REBA mean the job is safe?
Not by itself. Force, vibration, cold, and psychosocial factors sit outside a basic REBA score. Treat it as one screening input.
Who should run REBA?
A person trained in the method — often an ergonomist, HSE adviser, or supervisor following a written procedure.
