1. Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA)

2. 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.”

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 4 Main Applications of RULA
Measures musculosceletal risk, usually as part of a broader ergonomic investigation
Compare the musculosceletal loading of current and modified workstation design
Evaluate outcomes such as productivity or suitability of equipment
Educate workers about musculosceletal risk created by different working postures

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

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

11. Upper Arm

12. Upper arm

13. 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.

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

15. Lower arm

16. Wrist

17. Wrist Twist
Mainly in handshake
Twisting away from handshake position.

18. wrist

19. Neck

20. Neck Twist
Add 1 if neck is twisting

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

22. neck

23. Trunk

24. Trunk Twisting
Add 1 if trunk is twisting.

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

26. 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).

27. Trunk
Go to

28. 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.

29. Forces or Load Score
No resistance or less than 4 lbs intermittent load or force 1
4-20 lbs intermittent load or force 2
4-20 lbs static or repeated load or force 3
More than 20 lbs static or repeated loads or forces. Shock or forces with rapid buildup.

30. Look Up in Table C for Grand Score
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
Force / Load
Score B

31. Arms and Wrist Score Upper Arm Lower Arm Wrist 1 2 3 4 Wrist Twist 5 65 6 7 8 9

32. Neck, Trunk, and Legs Score

33. RULA Estimation

34. RULA Estimation (cont.)

36. Contoh Kasus
Tentukan level risiko seorang pekerja yang bertugas mengoperasikan mesin AIDA seperti yang terlihat pada gambar. Tahanan yang harus ditanggung oleh pekerja adalah 10 lbs dalam posisi statis lebih dari 10 menit dan bahu terangkat. Terkadang pekerja harus menggerakkan pergelangan tangan ke arah radial dan ulnar. Gunakan RULA untuk menentukan level risiko.

37. References
McAtamney, L. & Corlett, E.N. (1993) RULA: a survey method for the investigation of work-related upper limb disorders, Applied Ergonomics, 24, 91-99
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Stanton, N, A. Hedge dan K. Brookhuis. Handbook of Human Factors and Ergonomics Methods. CRC Press, 2005.