The RULA method was designed to allow the analysis of biomechanical/postural stresses on a worker’s upper limbs and to identify the muscular effort associated with a working posture.
This method is used to screen for the risk of developing MSDs. It allows an assessment based on the joint angles when carrying out tasks requiring the upper part of the body.
The RULA method (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment) method mainly assesses the upper limbs (shoulders, elbows, wrists) but also the neck and trunk. It applies to tasks during which the operator mainly uses his upper limbs, with or without movement. The postures are mainly studied by taking into consideration adjustments relating to the force applied and the repetitiveness of the gesture.
This grid complies with European directive 90/270/CEE. It makes it possible to highlight the postural risk linked to the work cycle observed and to issue a postural risk score.
Validated by several studies, the RULA method is used by many ergonomists around the world.
This method is not recommended for evaluating manual handling tasks.
The RULA method mainly assesses posture but takes into consideration parameters related to strength, repetitiveness or muscle activity, however it mainly focuses on the analysis of working postures.
It does not take into account the duration of the activity, the recovery period, or the vibrations.
Separate assessment of the right and left side of the body is essential when using RULA. There is no set method for combining the two scores to get an overall whole-body score.
The cumulative effects of all activities performed in the course of a job or task are not taken into account.
Step 1 – Analysis of the request
Analysis of the request and development of the criteria for choosing the work situations to be observed.
Step 2 – Observation of the workstations
Observation of all the elements of the workstation (the gestures of the operator, the tools used).
Identification of possible interactions between the different elements.
Selection of the posture to be evaluated.
Step 3 – Activity
Assessment of critical postures using RULA-type postural assessment methods to estimate their risk levels.
Step 4 – Processing the results of the analysis
Analysis of the postural data making it possible to draw up the list of priorities and to seek solutions and proposals for improvement.
Step 5 – Formulation of improvements
Formulation of improvements based on the results of the analysis and implementation of corrective measures taking into account the identified risks.
Step 6 – Reassessment of the work situation
A new assessment of the workstation makes it possible to study the impact, and benefits, of the corrective measures on the postural risk.
The application of the Rula method is carried out by 2 levels of analysis: the analysis of the upper limbs, then the analysis of the neck and the trunk.
The steps to follow are as follows:
Nawo Live is your physical activity risk assessment tool for identifying risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
From Nawo Live, automate and evaluate all biomechanical risk factors using reference methods (RULA, REBA, NIOSH, etc.).
Nawo Live guarantees you a reliability of the measurements acquired by our systems:
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