POLYTECHNIC

UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Sta. Mesa Manila

Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA)

SUBMITTED TO:

Engr. Rhodora N. Buluran

Adviser, Industrial Problem and Analysis

SUBMITTED BY:

QUIDOR, MICHAEL B.

BSIE V-2

 Ergonomics can be defined simply as the study of work. More specifically,
ergonomics is the science of designing the job to fit the worker, rather than physically
forcing the worker’s body to fit the job. Adapting tasks, work stations, tools, and
equipment to fit the worker can help reduce physical stress on a worker’s body and
eliminate many potentially serious, disabling work-related musculoskeletal disorders
(MSDs). (U.S. Departmnent of Labor, 2000)

A dramatic increase in MSDs began in the 1970s when these disorders

increasingly appeared on companies’ injury and illness logs. OSHA cited companies for
hazardous workplace conditions that caused problems such as tendinitis, carpal tunnel
syndrome, and back injuries.

MSDs, or musculoskeletal disorders, are injuries and disorders of the soft tissues
(muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and cartilage) and nervous system. They can
affect nearly all tissues, including the nerves and tendon sheaths, and most frequently
involve the arms and back.

RAPID UPPER LIMB ASSESSMENT

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. 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 and Corlett, 1993)

According to Ergonomics Plus website (http://ergo-plus.com/wp-

content/uploads/RULA-A-Step-by-Step-Guide1.pdf), RULA was developed to evaluate
the exposure of individual workers to ergonomic risk factors associated with upper
extremity MSD. The RULA ergonomic assessment tool considers biomechanical and
postural load requirements of job tasks/demands on the neck, trunk and upper
extremities. A single page worksheet is used to evaluate required body posture, force,
and repetition. Based on the evaluations, scores are entered for each body region in
section A for the arm and wrist, and section B for the neck and trunk. After the data for
each region is collected and scored, tables on the form are then used to compile the risk
factor variables, generating a single score that represents the level of MSD risk.
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 variables, generating a single score that
represents the level of MSD risk as outlined below:

References

Webpage with an Author

U.S. Department of Labor, (2000). Ergonomics: Study of Work. Retrieved from

https://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3125.pdf

McAtamney, L. & Corlett, N. (1993). Rula - A Rapid Upper Limb Assessment Tool.
Retrieved from http://www.rula.co.uk/brief.html

Webpage with no Author

A Step-by-Step Guide. Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA). Retrieved from

http://ergo-plus.com/wp-content/uploads/RULA-A-Step-by-Step-Guide1.pdf