Rula

RULA, or Rapid Upper Limb Assessment, is a survey method used to evaluate exposure of the upper limbs to ergonomic risks arising from repetitive or awkward postures, forceful exertions, and static loading during work tasks. Developed by McAtamney and Corlett in 1993, it is a quick screening tool designed to identify tasks that may require design changes to prevent musculoskeletal disorders. The method focuses on the neck, trunk, upper limbs, and wrists, and can be applied to a wide range of manual tasks.

Process: The observer records the posture of the upper arm, lower arm, and wrist (Section A) and the neck, trunk, and legs (Section B). Postures in each section are scored using fixed tables. Muscle use and force are incorporated to adjust the scores, yielding a final score on a 1 to 7 scale.

Interpretation: Scores are linked to action levels. A final score of 1 or 2 suggests the posture is acceptable. Scores of 3 or 4 indicate a need for further investigation and possible change. Scores of 5 or 6 call for investigation and changes soon, and a score of 7 requires immediate investigation and change.

Applications and limitations: RULA is widely used in manufacturing and service workplaces as a rapid screening tool for evaluating upper-limb risk and prioritizing ergonomic interventions. It is not a substitute for full biomechanical analysis; results depend on the number of observations and task variability, and some risk factors may be missed by a quick screen.