During the last decades much research has focused on the association between work-related exposures and musculoskeletal disorders, and a number of risk assessment methods for physical ergonomics have been developed (Neumann 2007, Takala, Pehkonen et al. 2010).

However, recent studies have shown that the knowledge about these methods is very limited among ergonomists in the occupational health services (OHS). The ergonomists often assess risks in the work environment by sole observation, based on his/her own knowledge and experience, without the use of any specific method (K. Eliasson et al., manuscript). Further, a survey investigating the use of evidence based practice within the OHS concluded that there is a need for education and training in reliable and valid methods (Alipour, Nyman et al. 2012).

Although there already exist both shorter courses and master programs in ergonomics at university level, there is a lack of more informal, easy-to-access educational material on risk assessment methods.

Web-based education and training often allows self-directed, self-paced instruction and can be considered a good alternative to traditional learning methods for ergonomists wanting to increase their professional competence. However, there is a lack of studies investigating the pros and cons of using e-learning within this field.

The present study is part of the OBS-project, an on-going project with the overall purpose to evaluate six observational methods for assessment of biomechanical exposures. The six methods are: Assessment of Repetitive Tasks (ART) (Ferreira, Gray et al. 2009), Hand Arm Risk Assessment Method (HARM) (Douwes and de Kraker 2012), Model for assessment of repetitive work by the Swedish Work Environment Authority (SWEA) (The Swedish Work Environment Authority 2011), Occupational Repetitive Actions (OCRA) checklist (Occhipinti and Colombini 2006), Quick Exposure Check (QEC) (David, Woods et al. 2008), and Strain Index (SI) (Moore and Garg 1995).

The specific objective of this sub-study was to evaluate a web-based pedagogical model targeting OHS professionals aimed at facilitating the teaching and the dissemination of observational risk assessment methods.