Rapid Upper Limb Assessment Tool

Rapid Upper Limb Assessment Tool

I. Concept or Theory

Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) is a survey method developed for use in ergonomic investigations of workplaces where work related upper limb disorders are reported. The RULA Assessment Tool was developed to evaluate the exposure of individual workers to ergonomic risk factors associated with upper extremity MSD. RULA is a screening tool that assesses biomechanical and postural loading on the whole body with particular attention to the neck, trunk and upper limbs. Reliability studies have been conducted using RULA on groups of VDU users and sewing machine operators. A RULA assessment requires little time to complete and the scoring generates an action list which indicated the level of intervention required to reduce the risks of injury due to physical loading on the operator. RULA is intended to be used as part of a broader ergonomic study (McAtamney & Corlett, n.d).

A RULA assessment represents a moment in the work cycle and it is important to observe the postures being adopted whilst undertaking the tasks prior to selecting the posture(s) for assessment. Depending upon the type of study, selection may be made of the longest held posture or what appears to be the worst posture(s) adopted. In some instances, for example when the work cycle is long or the postures are varied it may be more appropriate to take an assessment at regular intervals. It will be evident that if assessments are taken at set intervals over the working period the proportion of time spent in the various postures can be evaluated (McAtamney & Corlett, n.d).

The RULA was designed for easy use without need for an advanced degree in ergonomics or expensive equipment. Using the RULA worksheet, the evaluator will assign a score for each of the following body regions: upper arm, lower arm, wrist, neck, trunk, and legs. After the data for each region is collected and scored, tables on the form are then used to compile the risk factor...