RULA Method for Ergonomic Assessment
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ScribdTranslationsRULA Method for Ergonomic Assessment
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ScribdTranslationsRULA Method
If you don't know it, one of the most common risk factors
of musculoskeletal disorder diseases is
the excessive postural load or static load. That is, if it
they adopt inappropriate postures continuously or
repeated at work this can lead to fatigue and,
long, health problems can arise. But how
to know if I am in those cases? Is there a method?
ergonomic called RULA (Rapid Upper Limb
Assessment).
It was developed to analyze and provide a quick assessment of the efforts to the
What the skeletal muscle apparatus of workers is subjected to due to posture, function
muscular and the forces they exert.
Who created the RULA method?
The creation of RULA is attributed to Dr. Lynn McAtamney and Professor E. Nigel Corlett.
University of Nottingham in England, which was originally published in Applied
Ergonomics in 1993 (McAtamney, L. & Corlett, E.N. (1993) RULA: a survey method for the
Investigation of work-related upper limb disorders, Applied Ergonomics, 24, 91-99.
What differentiates RULA?
There are many applications, but we will tell you about the most used ones. There are various methods that
they allow the assessment of ergonomic risks associated with postural load, one of them is the
RULA method, the assessment of individual postures or simply by sets of postures,
the conditions for its application or by the parts of the body evaluated or considered for
your evaluation is what sets it apart from the others.
Application of the RULA method
Dicho método se basa en la observación directa de las posturas adoptadas durante la tarea por
the upper limbs, neck, back, and legs.
For a certain posture, RULA will obtain a score from which a
determined Level of Performance. The Level of Performance will indicate whether the posture is acceptable or in
What measures are necessary for changes or redesign in the position.
The analysis can be carried out before and after an intervention to demonstrate that such
action has influenced the reduction of injury risk.
What risk factors does RULA evaluate?
Now it is time to know what we can study with this great method, obviously everything
the rest is exempt, but with this method you will be able to evaluate the following factors.
Repetition of Movements.
Strict muscle work.
Forces.
Work postures.
Puntuaciones Finales
The overall scores of Groups A and B take into account the stance of
worker. The static or dynamic nature of it will be valued and the
forces exerted during its adoption.
The scores of Groups A and B, increased by the scores
corresponding to the type of activity and the loads or forces exerted will pass
to be named scores C and D respectively.
Scores C and D allow for obtaining the final score of the method.
using another table of values. This final global score for the task
It will oscillate between 1 and 7, being higher the greater the risk.
Recommended actions
By performing the method, you will obtain a numerical score; based on this, suggestions are made.
different levels of action on a job position or task. The scores of each
member and group, as well as the scores of strength and muscle activity, will indicate to the
assess the aspects in which to act to improve the position.
Between 1 and 2 indicate that the task's risk is acceptable and that they are not precise.
change.
Between 3 and 4 indicate that a thorough study of the position is necessary because they can
changes may be required.
Between 5 and 6 indicate that changes are necessary.
Between 7 indicates that the changes are urgent.
Evaluation of Group A
The score of Group A is obtained from the scores of each of its members.
that make it up (arm, forearm, and wrist). Thus, as a preliminary step to obtaining the
The group's score must obtain the scores of each member.
Arm score
The arm score is obtained from its degree of flexion/extension. To do this, it will be measured
the angle formed by the arm axis and the trunk axis. Figure 3 shows the different
degrees of flexion/extension considered by the method. The arm score is obtained
through Table 1.
Measurement of the arm angle
Arm score.
Forearm score
The score of the forearm is obtained from its flexion angle, measured as the angle
formed by the axis of the forearm and the axis of the arm. Figure 5 shows the intervals of flexion
considered by the method. The forearm score is obtained through Table 3.
Measurement of the forearm angle
Forearm scoring
The score obtained evaluates the flexion of the forearm. This score will be increased in a
point if the forearm crosses the midline of the body, or if an activity is performed on one side of the
body (Figure 6). Both cases are mutually exclusive, so at most an increase will be made
Point the initial punctuation of the forearm. Table 4 shows the increments to be applied.
Modification of the forearm punctuation.
Modification of the forearm score
Wrist scoring
The wrist score is obtained from the angle of flexion/extension measured from the
neutral position. Figure 7 shows the references for taking the measurement. The score of
the doll is obtained through the Table 5.
Measurement of the wrist angle.
Wrist scoring
Wrist twist score
Wrist twist score
Evaluation of Group B
The score of Group B is obtained from the scores of each of the members.
that make it up (neck, torso, and legs). Therefore, as a preliminary step to obtaining the
group score you need to obtain the scores of each member.
Neck puncture
The neck score is obtained from the flexion/extension measured by the angle formed.
by the head axis and the trunk axis. Figure 10 shows the references for carrying out the
measurement. The neck score is obtained through Table 8.
Measurement of the neck angle.
Neck scoring
Modification of the neck punctuation
Modification of the neck punctuation
Trunk score
The trunk score will depend on whether the worker performs the task sitting or standing. In this
In the last case, the score will depend on the angle of trunk flexion measured by the angle between the
trunk axis and the vertical. Figure 12 shows the references for making the measurement.
Trunk score is obtained from Table 10.
Measurement of the trunk angle
Trunk score
Modification of the trunk score
Modification of trunk punctuation
Leg scoring
The scoring of the legs will depend on the weight distribution between them, the supports.
existing and if the position is sitting. The scoring of the legs is obtained through the Table
12.
Leg scoring
Leg scoring