Applying data-driven ergonomics in food manufacturing: MOVA MMH at Riverside Bakery

How MOVA MMH delivers AI-driven manual handling risk assessments in food manufacturing, using HSE frameworks to reduce MSD risks.

In January 2026, we had the opportunity to visit Riverside Bakery, part of The Compleat Food Group (TCFG), where we deployed our MOVA MMH solution to carry out comprehensive manual-handling risk assessments across a live food manufacturing environment.

Manual Handling Challenges in Food Manufacturing Environments

Food manufacturing presents a uniquely dynamic and demanding setting for manual handling. Tasks are often repetitive, time-sensitive, and distributed across multiple stages of production. During our visit, we assessed a wide range of activities across key operational areas, including:

• Preparation

• Fabrication

• Cook house

• Feeding

• Packaging

This multi-area approach allowed us to capture a holistic view of manual-handling risks across the end-to-end process.

Quantitative Manual Handling Risk Assessment Using HSE MAC, RAPP and ART

Using MOVA MMH technology, we conducted detailed and objective ergonomic assessments aligned with established HSE risk assessment frameworks, including:

• MAC (Manual Handling Assessment Charts)

• RAPP (Risk Assessment of Pushing and Pulling)

• ART (Assessment of Repetitive Tasks)

By combining these frameworks with our AI-driven analysis, we were able to move beyond traditional subjective assessments and generate quantitative risk insights. This enabled a more precise understanding of where and why risks occur within specific tasks and workflows.

AI-Driven Ergonomic Risk Reduction Using the Hierarchy of Controls

A key advantage of the MOVA MMH system is its ability to not only identify risks but also recommend actionable improvements.

Our AI engine analysed the collected data and suggested a range of mitigations aligned with the hierarchy of controls, including; eliminating risks, substitution, engineering controls and administrative controls.

This structured approach ensures that recommendations are both practical and aligned with best-practice safety principles.

Using Ergonomic Data to Prioritise Risk and Build Business Cases

The insights generated during the assessment provide significant value to operational and safety stakeholders.

By establishing a robust baseline, the data can be used to:

• Prioritise high-risk areas for intervention

• Support evidence-based decision-making

• Build strong business cases for implementing controls

• Track improvements over time

This shifts manual-handling risk management from a reactive exercise to a proactive, data-led strategy.

Supporting Safer Food Manufacturing with Data-Driven Ergonomics

We are pleased to be partnering with Riverside bakery, The Compleat Food Group to support their ongoing efforts to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and improve workplace safety across their operations.

Collaborations like this highlight the importance of combining domain expertise, advanced technology, and operational insight to drive meaningful and sustainable improvements.

We look forward to continuing our work together—and to helping more organisations unlock the value of data-driven ergonomics.

Explore MOVA MMH Technology: Manual Handling | SpatialCortex

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a manual handling risk assessment?

A manual handling risk assessment evaluates tasks involving lifting, carrying, pushing, or repetitive movements to identify risks that could lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

What are MAC, RAPP, and ART assessments?

MAC (Manual Handling Assessment Charts), RAPP (Risk Assessment of Pushing and Pulling), and ART (Assessment of Repetitive Tasks) are Health & Safety Executive (HSE) frameworks used in the UK to systematically evaluate different types of manual handling risks.

How can companies reduce musculoskeletal disorder risks?

Organisations can reduce MSD risks by first quantifying exposure using objective tools like MOVA MMH, which generates MAC, RAPP and ART scores from wearable sensor data, then applying the hierarchy of controls to the highest-risk tasks identified

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SpatialCortex’s MOVA MMH solution is used across the UK to support industries including food manufacturing, logistics, ports, and warehousing in reducing manual handling risks and improving worker safety through AI-driven ergonomic assessments.