niosh - rula

8/10/2019 Niosh - Rula

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Ergonomics

RULA Rapid Upper Limb Assessment Mark Middlesworth


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Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA)

RULA was developed to evaluate the exposure of individualworkers to ergonomic risk factors associated with upperextremity MSD. The RULA ergonomic assessment tool considersbiomechanical and postural load requirements of job

tasks/demands on the neck, trunk and upper extremities.

A single page worksheet is used to evaluate required bodyposture, force, and repetition. Based on the evaluations, scoresare entered for each body region in section A for the arm andwrist, and section B for the neck and trunk.


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Using the RULA worksheet, the evaluator willassign a score for each of the following bodyregions: upper arm, lower arm, wrist, neck,

trunk, and legs.


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After the data for each region is collected and scored,tables on the form are then used to compile the riskfactor variables, generating a single score thatrepresents the level of MSD risk as outlined below:


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Getting Ready

The evaluator should prepare for the assessment by interviewingthe worker being evaluated to gain an understanding of the jobtasks and demands, and observing the workers movements andpostures during several work cycles.

Selection of the postures to be evaluated should be based on:

1) the most difficult postures and work tasks (based on workerinterview and initial observation),

2) the posture sustained for the longest period of time, or3) the posture where the highest force loads occur.


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Using the RULA - Example

The RULA worksheet is divided into two body segment sectionson the labeled A and B. Section A (left side) covers the arm andwrist. Section B (right side) covers the neck, trunk and legs.

The evaluator should score Group A (Arm & Wrist) postures first,then score Group B (Neck, Trunk & Legs) postures for left andright. For each region, there is a posture scoring scale andadditional adjustments outlined on the worksheet which need tobe considered and accounted for in the score.


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Steps 1 4: Right Arm and Wrist Analysis


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Steps 1 4: Right Arm and Wrist Analysis


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Steps 5 8:Calculate the

Score forGroup A


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Steps 9 11: Neck, Trunk and Limb Analysis


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Steps 9 11: Neck, Trunk and Limb Analysis


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Steps 12 15:Calculate the Scorefor Group B


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Determine the Final RULA Score


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Final RULA Score = 7

In this example, the final RULA score of 7 indicates highrisk and calls for engineering and/or work methodchanges to reduce or eliminate MSD risk.


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Implemented Ergonomic Improvement

A follow-up analysis using the RULA worksheet was performedupon completion of this ergonomic process and toolimprovement. When using the new work process and tools, theRULA total score is reduced from 7 to 1.


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Learn more aboutRULA

Click the link below:

http://ergo-plus.com/rula-assessment-tool-guide/
http://ergo-plus.com/rula-assessment-tool-guide/http://ergo-plus.com/rula-assessment-tool-guide/


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Get more ergonomics and injuryprevention tips at Ergo-Plus.com.

Click the link below:

www.ergo-plus.com
http://ergo-plus.com/http://ergo-plus.com/

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