Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) INSY 3021 Spring 2005

History and Benefit of RULA Developed by Dr. E. Nigel Corlett and Dr. Lynn McAtamney of University of Nottingham’s Institute for Occupational Ergonomics Developed to “investigate the exposure of individual workers to risk factors associated with work-related upper limb disorders” “It is straight forward and can be used with a minimum of training.”

What is RULA RULA is a quick survey method for use in ergonomic investigations of workplaces where MSD’s are reported. RULA is a screening tool that assesses biomechanical and postural loading on the body. RULA focuses on the neck, trunk and upper limbs, and is ideal for sedentary workers e.g. computer workplaces.

What is RULA (cont.) RULA has been validated on groups of computer users and sewing machine operators. RULA is quick and easy to complete. RULA scores indicate the level of intervention required to reduce MSD risks. RULA compliments other ergonomic methods.

RULA Scoring Classification CLASS I (1 or 2) Posture is acceptable if it is not maintained or repeated for long periods CLASS II (3 or 4) Further investigation is needed CLASS III (5 or 6) Further investigation and changes are required soon CLASS IV (6+) Investigate and change now

Interpretation of RULA Gives a total job assessment that suggests directions for modifying body positions to reduce the possibility of hazards Does not provide exact Engineering controls or work activity changes.

How to Do a RULA Estimation RULA is a simple diagnostic tool that allows you to survey various tasks involving the upper limbs at work. Focuses on use of arms, wrists, position of the head, and the posture of the upper body.

RULA Estimation (cont.) Procedure Records the position of the upper limbs and the head, trunk and legs with two separate number codes. The codes are entered into the relevant boxes. An initial score is found in the appropriate tables, A and B. The score is modified according to the use of the limbs.

RULA Estimation (cont.) The final A and B scores are calculated. Using the final scores a Grand Score, using table C, is determined.

Upper Arm

Upper Arms Add 1 if shoulder is raised Add 1 if upper arm is abducted Subtract 1 if leaning or supporting the weight of the arm.

Lower Arm Add 1 if working across the midline of the body or out to the side.

Wrist

Wrist Twist Mainly in handshake Twisting away from handshake position.

Neck

Neck Twist Add 1 if neck is twisting

Neck Side-Bend Add 1 if neck is side-bending.

Trunk

Trunk Twisting Add 1 if trunk is twisting.

Trunk Side-Bend Add 1 if trunk is side-bending.

Lower Limbs Legs and feet are well supported and in an evenly balanced posture (add 1). Legs and feet are not evenly balanced or supported (add 2).

Muscle Use Score Raise the score by 1 if the posture is” Mainly static, e.g. held for longer than 10 minutes. Repeated more than 4 times/minute.

Forces or Load Score 0 No resistance or less than 4 lbs intermittent load or force lbs intermittent load or force lbs static or repeated load or force 3 More than 20 lbs static or repeated loads or forces. Shock or forces with rapid buildup.

Score Sheet Upper Arm Lower Arm Wrist Wrist Twist Posture Score A Muscle Use Force /Load Score A Look Up in Table C for Grand Score ++= Neck Trunk Legs Posture Score B Muscle Use Force / Load Score B ++=

Upper ArmLower Arm Wrist 1234 Wrist Twist Arms and Wrist Score

Neck, Trunk, and Legs Score

RULA Estimation

RULA Estimation (cont.)

References McAtamney, L. & Corlett, E.N. (1993) RULA: a survey method for the investigation of work-related upper limb disorders, Applied Ergonomics, 24, go/ go/ index.html

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