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The Role of Video in Ergonomic Injury Reviews

December 17, 2025
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Key Takeaway
Injury investigations often rely on paperwork and memory. Video gives you the real story. When companies begin their reviews with footage of how a task is actually done, they can see risk clearly, reduce guesswork, and shift from blame to prevention.

Why should ergonomic injury reviews start with video?


Because video shows what really happened, without filters, guesses, or gaps. Most ergonomic injury reviews begin with a form and a conversation. Someone fills out a report. Someone else gives their version of the event. But memories blur. Details get lost. And most reports skip over how the body actually moved during the task.

If you're serious about understanding why someone got hurt, you need to watch the work. Not the Job Safety Analysis (JSA). Not the standard procedure. The real task, as performed.

Video gives you that window. It captures posture, motion, pace, and awkward positions you can’t see in paperwork. That’s why OSHA encourages a system-focused approach to investigations, not one that ends at "human error." According to OSHA, “Human error is not the conclusion of an investigation. It is the starting point,” and the goal should always be to “identify and correct root causes”.

When you use video, those root causes often become clear. Maybe a lift angle was risky. Maybe the worker rushed because of production pressure. Maybe a tool wasn’t designed for the task. You won’t find those causes in a checklist, but you will see them on camera.

And that’s the real value: video helps shift the conversation from “Who’s at fault?” to “What needs fixing?” That shift supports a stronger safety culture, and it aligns with OSHA’s guidance to focus on hazards, not blame.


What does OSHA say about using video in job analysis?


OSHA supports it, and they’ve said so for years. In their Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) guide, OSHA advises safety teams to “watch the employee perform the job and list each step as the worker takes it.” They also note that “it may be helpful to photograph or videotape the worker” to capture the task more clearly.

That recommendation is still relevant, but many workplaces overlook it. Instead, they rely on written descriptions or verbal explanations. The problem is, those often miss the details that matter, like awkward postures, high hand force, or repetitive motion. These are exactly the kinds of risk factors that contribute to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

According to BLS, U.S. employers reported 946,500 cases that led to days away from work. Over 500,000 of those cases were MSDs. These injuries don’t usually come from a single incident. They build over time, through tasks that strain joints, muscles, and tendons.

To spot those risks, you have to see how the body moves. That’s why NIOSH and peer-reviewed research recognize video as a valid observation method for ergonomic analysis. Video shows motion that paper can’t. It brings clarity to complex tasks and gives teams the visibility they need to prevent injuries before they happen.


How can employers use video safely without violating worker privacy?


It’s a valid concern, and one every employer should take seriously. Recording workers on the job raises important questions about consent, trust, and legal limits. That’s why video use should always follow company policy, local laws, and union agreements. Some workplaces allow task filming, some don’t. The key is to be thoughtful and transparent.

Work closely with legal and HR teams to create a clear, respectful video policy. One that protects workers’ rights while making room for smarter, safer practices. When done right, video doesn’t invade, it empowers. It documents the real task, removes bias, and shifts the conversation from opinion to observation. It supports better decisions and gives workers a voice in how safety is managed.

Handled the right way, video becomes a tool for trust, not surveillance. And with the right tech, it also becomes much easier to use.


How does TuMeke turn task videos into injury prevention?


TuMeke
makes it simple to see risk, and even easier to act on it. No sensors. No wearables. Just a smartphone video of a worker doing the job. From there, TuMeke uses AI and computer vision to map body movement, apply proven ergonomic tools like RULA and the NIOSH lifting equation, and deliver a real-time risk score.

You get more than just numbers. TuMeke shows you exactly where the risk is, using skeleton overlays and side-by-side visuals that highlight unsafe motion. Then, ErgoGPT recommends specific, practical changes. That could mean adjusting reach zones, redesigning a layout, or swapping out a tool.

It doesn’t stop at one assessment. TuMeke helps you track trends, compare tasks across locations, and train teams with clear, visual feedback they can actually use. Every assessment builds toward smarter design, safer movement, and fewer injuries.

TuMeke gives you the tools to stop guessing, stop blaming, and start building safer systems, without slowing down your operation. Ready to see how it works? Start your free trial and find out how everyday videos can lead to safer outcomes, one task at a time.

FAQ

Can I use video footage for ergonomic risk assessments?

Yes. Video shows real body movements, which helps teams spot awkward postures and repetitive tasks. It supports accurate, consistent ergonomic evaluations without needing sensors or wearables.

What types of workplace injuries can video help prevent?

Video is especially useful for preventing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) caused by lifting, reaching, or repetitive motion. These injuries often develop over time and are hard to catch on paper.

Does OSHA allow video in job hazard analysis?

Yes. OSHA encourages observing real work and says it may be helpful to photograph or videotape workers during job hazard analysis (JHA) to capture accurate task steps.

How do companies protect worker privacy when using video?

Employers must follow internal policies, labor laws, and union rules. It’s best to work with legal teams to create a respectful process that protects workers while supporting safety goals.

How does video improve root cause investigations after an injury?

Video shows exactly how a task was performed. It helps teams identify system-level causes, like poor design or pace, and shifts the focus from blaming people to fixing hazards.

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