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1.0 RULA Introduction

1.1 RULA Objectives

1.2 RULA Worksheet

1.3 RULA Output

1.4 RULA Calculator

1.5 RULA Limitations

2.0 Prepare for Assessment

2.1 Select Tasks for Assessment

3.0 Determine and Record Task Variables

3.1 Upper Arm Position

3.2 Lower Arm Position

3.3 Wrist Position

3.4 Wrist Twist

3.5 Muscle Use and Force/Load Score

3.6 Neck Position

3.7 Trunk Position

3.8 Leg Score

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3.9 Muscle Use and Force/Load Score

4.0 Examples

4.1 Example 1: Coil Hammering

4.2 Example 2: Electric Panel Assembly

4.3 Example 3: Impact Driver Assembly

4.4 Example 4: Ergonomic Improvement

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The Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) was developed to evaluate the exposure of individual workers to ergonomic risk factors associated with upper extremity MSD. RULA provides a rapid assessment of the loads on the musculoskeletal system of workers

due to postural requirements, muscle function and the forces they exert while performing certain job tasks.

The RULA ergonomic assessment tool considers biomechanical and postural load requirements of job tasks/demands on the upper extremities, neck, and trunk.

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 (arm and wrist) and Section B (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.

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In this webinar you will learn how to use the RULA assessment tool to evaluate upper extremity postural risks. We’ll walk you step-by-step through measuring and recording each body position posture and task variables, and you’ll also see the RULA assessment tool in action through a few real-world case examples.

(Source: McAtamney & Corlett, Applied Ergonomics 1993, 24(2), 91-99 RULA).

RULA was developed with the following objectives in mind:

1) To provide a “rapid” method of screening a working population to assess exposure to significant risk of work-related upper extremity disorders.

2) To identify the muscular effort which is associated with working postures and excessive forces while performing static or repetitive work, and which may contribute to muscle fatigue.

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3) To provide a simple scoring method with an action level output that identifies an indication of urgency.

4) To provide a user friendly assessment tool that requires minimal time, training, effort, and equipment.

RULA validation and repeatability testing has been completed in both industrial and office settings by the Institute for Occupational Ergonomics.

The RULA worksheet provides a format for the assessment process. Let’s take a quick walk through the worksheet, we will cover the details and provide some examples later in this webinar. The colored rectangle areas on the worksheet are for data entry. The worksheet is divided into two body segment sections labeled A and B. Section A (left side) covers scoring for the upper arm, lower arm, and

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wrist, as well as the muscle use and force/load adjustments. Section B (right side) covers the neck, trunk, and leg analysis, along with adjustments for muscle use and force/load. This segmenting of the worksheet ensures that any awkward or constrained postures of the neck, trunk or legs which might influence the postures of the upper extremity are included in the assessment.

To complete an assessment:

Start on the left side of the worksheet.

Steps 1-3: Determine the postures and scores for the Upper Arm, Lower Arm, and Wrist. For each region, there is a posture scoring scale plus adjustments that can be made when considering additional factors.

Step 4: Determine if the wrist is in mid-range or is at or near the end of range.

Step 5: Using steps 1-4 scores, look up the Section A posture score in Table A and record this value in the Step 5 score rectangle.

Step 6: Determine and record the muscle use score for the upper arm, lower arm and wrist.

Step 7: Determine and add the force/load score for the upper arm, lower arm and wrist.

Step 8: Add the values from steps 5-7 to obtain the Wrist & Arm score, record this score for section A, and then circle this score in Table C.

Now let’s to move the right side of the worksheet.

Step 9-11: Determine scores and record Section B postures for the Neck, Trunk, and Legs. For the neck and trunk, there is a posture scoring scale plus adjustments that can be made when considering additional factors. For the legs, you will determine if the feet are supported or not.

Step 12: Using scores from steps 9-11, look up the posture scores in Table B and circle the values in the table, then locate the Table B score and record this value in the Step 12 score rectangle.

Step 13: Determine and record the muscle use score for the neck, trunk and legs.

Step 14: Determine and add the force/load score for the neck, trunk and legs.

Step 15: Add the values from steps 12-14 to obtain the final score for the Neck, Truck, and Leg in Section B (right side of worksheet), record this score for section B. Then find and circle this column in Table C and match with the Score A row

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from Step 8 to obtain the Table C score. This Table C value is the final RULA assessment score, which is recorded in the RULA Score rectangle at the bottom and center of the worksheet below Table C.

The output of the RULA assessment tool is the final RULA Score, which is a single score that represents the level of MSD risk for the job task being evaluated. The minimum RULA Score = 1, and the maximum RULA Score = 7.

Risk and Action Level Scoring is outlined in this chart:

1-2 = negligible risk, no action required

3-4 = low risk, change may be needed

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5-6 = medium risk, further investigation needed, change soon

7 = very high risk, implement change now

We have developed an Excel based RULA calculator that can be used to very quickly calculate the total score and save the assessment digitally.

Simply select from each drop-down menu for each body segment and task variable. When all the data is entered, the spreadsheet will use the lookup tables to calculate the final RULA score for the job task being evaluated. We will use the RULA calculator in some examples later in the webinar.

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Limitations:

1. RULA does not consider the duration of the task, available recovery time, or evaluate hand-arm vibration risk.

2. RULA only allows the evaluator to assess one employee’s worst case posture at one point in time, requiring the use of representative postures.

3. RULA requires separate assessment of right and left sides of the body, although in most cases you will be able to quickly determine which side of the body has the greatest exposure to MSD risk.

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To prepare for performing a RULA assessment, gather the tools needed to measure all task variables and record the data:

• Clip board and pen

• RULA worksheet or a data collection worksheet. Note: Our data collection worksheet makes it easy to organize and record the task variables if you prefer to use the Excel RULA Calculator.

• Camera (video & picture)

• Goniometer & transparent protractor images (180 and 360 degree) to help evaluate pictures and video

• Force Measurement Gauge - needed to measure exertion forces and load weight if this can’t be obtained or scale is not available.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

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The evaluator should prepare for the assessment by interviewing the worker being evaluated to gain an understanding of the job tasks and demands, and observing the worker’s movements and postures during several work cycles.

Selection of the postures to be evaluated should be based on:

• The most difficult postures and demanding work tasks (based on worker interview and initial observation).

• The posture sustained for the longest period of time.

• The posture where the highest force loads occur.

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The RULA assessment requires that you determine postural angles of six different body positions. In most cases, you will be able to determine the body position angle in the field as you observe the task. However, I do find that it’s very helpful to take pictures of the task being performed from several angles if possible. I can then display the pictures on my computer monitor and use my goniometer (as pictured on left) or an overlaid transparent protractor image (as pictured on right) to measure the body segment angles. These methods are both very quick and easy, and it gives me the assurance that I have obtained the correct body position angles for the assessment.

Note: We have included 180 and 360 degree transparent protractor images with RULA webinar materials for your convenience.

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In this section, we will review exactly how to measure and determine each RULA input variable.

Task variables needed are as follows:

Section A

3.1 Upper Arm Position

3.2 Lower Arm Position

3.3 Wrist Position

3.4 Wrist Twist

3.5 Muscle Use and Load/Force Score

Section B

3.6 Neck Position

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3.7 Trunk Position

3.8 Leg Score

3.9 Muscle Use and Load/Force Score

Now, let’s review how to determine and measure the RULA task variables in detail.

Upper Arm Position:

Step 1: Locate the upper arm position to determine the upper arm score. The upper arm score will be between 1-6. The score is based on the degree of shoulder flexion or extension, along with any adjustment for the shoulder being raised and/or abducted. Shoulder flexion is defined as anterior movement of the upper arm in the sagittal plane (forward reaching). Shoulder extension is defined

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as posterior movement of the upper arm in the sagittal plane (backward reaching). Shoulder abduction is defined as sideways movement of the upper arm away from the body.

Let’s review the upper arm position scoring examples in this slide:

A: Shoulder is neutral between 0-20 degrees of flexion and extension, the upper arm position score for this example is +1.

B: Shoulder is extended beyond 20 degrees. So in this case the upper arm position score is +2.

C: Shoulder is flexed between 20- 45 degrees, therefore the upper arm position score is +2.

D: Shoulder is flexed between 45 - 90 degrees, so the upper arm position score is +3 in this example.

E: Shoulder flexion is greater than 90 degrees, so the score in this case is +4.

F: Again, shoulder flexion is greater than 90 degrees and the score is +4.

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Upper Arm adjustments for Step 1:

If shoulder is raised: +1

If upper arm is abducted: +1

If arm is supported or person is leaning: -1

A: Shoulder flexion is greater than 90 degrees, so the base score in this case is +4. In addition the shoulder is raised and abducted, adding +1 adjustments for both. Therefore, the total score is 4 + 1 + 1 = 6.

B: In this example, the shoulder is flexed between 20-45 degrees yielding an upper arm position score of +2. However, in this case the worker is leaning creating an assist by gravity in this position and a -1 adjustment in the score. The total score in this case is +2 -1 = +1.

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Step 2: Locate the lower arm position and determine the lower arm score. The lower arm score will be between 1-3. The score is based on the degree of elbow flexion or bending.

Lower arm position scoring examples:

A: Elbow is flexed between 60 – 100 degrees, so the lower arm position score for this example is +1.

B: Elbow is flexed more than 100 degrees. Score = +2

C: Elbow is flexed between 0 – 60 degrees. Score = +2

In Step 2a, an adjustment of +1 is added to the score if either arm is working across the midline or out to the side of the body (as shown in the picture in the upper right corner of this slide).

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Step 2: Locate the lower arm position and determine the lower arm score. The lower arm score will be between 1-3. The score is based on the degree of elbow flexion or bending.

Lower arm position scoring examples:

A: Elbow is flexed between 60 – 100 degrees, so the lower arm position score for this example is +1.

B: Elbow is flexed more than 100 degrees. Score = +2

C: Elbow is flexed between 0 – 60 degrees. Score = +2

In Step 2a, an adjustment of +1 is added to the score if either arm is working across the midline or out to the side of the body (as shown in the picture in the upper right corner of this slide).

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Step 3: Locate the wrist position and determine the wrist score. The wrist score will be 1-4. The score is based on the degree of wrist flexion or extension, along with a potential adjustment of +1 if wrist deviation is required.

Now let’s review four wrist position scoring examples:

A: Wrist position is neutral or 0 degrees of flexion/extension with no adjustment for deviation, so the wrist position score for this example is +1.

B: Wrist is extended > 15 degrees with no adjustment for deviation. Score = +3

C: Wrist flexion position is neutral or 0 degrees for a base score of +1. However, the wrist is ulnar deviated when performing this task, so add a +1 adjustment. Total score = +2.

D: Wrist is flexed > 15 degrees for a +3 base score. The wrist is also ulnar deviated, so add a +1 adjustment. Total score for this example = +4.

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Step 4: Determine the wrist twist score. The wrist twist score will be either +1 or +2, depending on the degree of forearm pronation or supination. Pronation is defined as rotation of the hand or forearm from a neutral (thumb up) position so that the surface of the palm is facing downward. Typical range of motion for pronation is 80-90 degrees. Supination is defined as rotation of the hand or forearm from a neutral (thumb up or handshake) position so that the surface of the palm is facing upward. Typical range of motion for supination is 70-80 degrees.

If wrist is twisted in mid-range: +1

If wrist is at or near end of range: +2

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The original RULA article doesn’t give precise guidance regarding “mid-range” and “near end of range”. To be conservative in my assessment, I consider >60 degrees of pronation or >50 degrees of supination to be “near end of range” and will use a +2 score if this range of motion is required by the job task being assessed.

Wrist twist scoring examples:

A: Wrist position is mid-range (0-60 degrees), so the position score for this example is +1.

B: Wrist position is greater than 60 degrees of pronation. Score = +2

C: Wrist position is greater than 50 degrees of supination. Score = +2

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Step 5:

Muscle Use Score – Arm & Wrist

The muscle use score will be either 0 or +1.

The score will be+1 if these conditions exist:

If posture mainly static (i.e. held>1 minute), or if action repeated occurs 4X per minute, +1. If neither condition exists, enter 0 as the muscle use score.

Force / Load Score – Arm & Wrist

The force/load score will be 0 - 3.

If load < .4.4 lbs. (intermittent): +0 (action occurs <4X per minute)

If load 4.4 to 22 lbs. (intermittent): +1

If load 4.4 to 22 lbs. (static or repeated): +2 (i.e. held>10 minutes, or if action repeated occurs 4X per minute)

If more than 22 lbs. or repeated or shocks (such as hammer use): +3

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Neck, Trunk, and Leg Analysis (right side of the worksheet)

Step 6: Neck Position Score

The neck posture score will be between 1-6. The score is based on the degree of neck flexion or extension, along with any adjustment for neck twisting or side bending (lateral flexion). Neck flexion is movement of the chin towards the chest from a neutral neck position. Neck extension is moving the chin away from the chest (backwards) from a neutral neck position. Experts in biomechanics use a variety of landmarks and methods to define the neutral position (or the zero point between flexion and extension) of the neck. To keep it really simple, I would define neutral as the posture of the head/neck when the trunk of the body is erect (sitting or standing up straight) and looking at a visual target directly ahead at eye level.

The base score for the neck position will be 1-4.

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Neck Position Adjustments:

Add +1 to the base score if neck is twisted.

Add +1 if neck is side bending.

Neck position scoring examples:

A: Neck flexion is less than 10 degrees with no twisting or side bending, therefore the neck position score is +1.

B: Even though the trunk is flexed 30 degrees, the neck is not flexed (chin to chest) more than 10 degrees. So in this case, the neck position score is +1. Note: Be sure to look at neck flexion relative to the trunk position.

C: Neck flexion is greater than 20 degrees (+3) and neck is twisted (+1) in this example (neck twist or side bending is best observed from a position directly behind the worker). The neck position score in this example is +4.

D: Neck flexion is greater than 20 degrees (+3) and the neck is twisted (+1), therefore the neck position score is +4.

E: Neck is extended and side bending, so neck position scoring is +4 for neck extension and add +1 for the neck side bending adjustment. The neck score in this example is +5.

F: Neck is extended, twisted, and is side bending. So, the proper scoring is +4 for extension. Add +1 for twisting and +1 for side bending adjustments. Therefore, the neck score in this example is +6.

Note: Neck extension is typically caused by a physical or visual obstruction.

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Step 7: Trunk Position

The trunk position score will be between 1-6. The score is based on the degree of trunk flexion or extension, along with any adjustment for twisting or side bending (lateral flexion) of the trunk/back. Trunk flexion is defined as anterior (forward) movement of the trunk in the sagittal plane (think toe touching). Trunk extension is defined as posterior (backward) movement of the trunk in the sagittal plane.

The base score for the trunk position will be 1-4.

Trunk Position Adjustments:

Add +1 to the base score if trunk is twisted.

Add +1 if trunk is side bending.

Trunk position scoring examples:

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A: Trunk is neutral with no twisting or side bending, therefore the trunk position score is +1.

B: Trunk is extended between 0 - 20 degrees and the trunk is also twisted. So in this case, the trunk position score is +2 for extension and we need to add a +1 adjustment for twisting.

C: Trunk flexion is between 0 - 20 degrees with no twisting or side bending, therefore the trunk position score is +2.

D: Trunk flexion is between 20 - 60 degrees, therefore the trunk position score is +3.

E: Trunk flexion is greater than 60 degrees, so the score is +4.

Note: If trunk flexion is greater than 60 degrees (+4) and trunk twisting is required, an adjustment of +1 would be added for a total score of +5. If trunk flexion is greater than 60 degrees (+4) and twisting (+1) and side bending (+1) is required, an adjustment of +2 would be added for a total score of +6. (maximum trunk position score).

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Step 8: Leg Score

The leg position score will be between 1-2. If legs and feet are supported the score is +1. If the legs and feet are not supported, the score is +2.

Leg position scoring examples:

A: Legs and feet are supported, therefore the leg score is +1.

B: Legs and feet are not supported, therefore the score is +2.

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Step 9: Muscle Use & Force/Load Scores (note: scoring in this section is based on muscle use and force on the neck, trunk and legs.

Muscle Use Score – Neck, Trunk & Leg

The muscle use score will be either 0 or +1.

The score will be+1 if these conditions exist:

If posture mainly static (i.e. held>1 minute), or if action repeated occurs 4X per minute. If neither condition exists, enter 0 as the muscle use score.

Force / Load Score - Neck, Trunk & Leg

The force/load score will be 0 - 3.

If load < .4.4 lbs. (intermittent): +0 (action occurs <4X per minute)

If load 4.4 to 22 lbs. (intermittent): +1

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If load 4.4 to 22 lbs. (static or repeated): +2 (i.e. held>1 minute, or if action repeated occurs 4X per minute)

If more than 22 lbs. or repeated 4x/minute or shocks (rapid build-up or a jolting action) present: +3

Examples: The following examples are provided to help demonstrate the application of assessment procedures as well as the use of the RULA worksheet and our RULA Excel calculator.

Example 1: Coil Hammering (Using RULA paper worksheet and Excel calculator)

Example 2: Electrical Panel Assembly (Excel calculator)

Example 3: Impact Driver Assembly (Excel calculator)

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Example 4: Light Fixture Assembly (Excel calculator with ergonomic improvement analysis)

Example 1: In this example we will analyze a coil hammering task using the RULA paper worksheet and our Excel RULA Calculator.

After observing the job, the hammering task pictured above was selected for the RULA analysis.

Section A (left side of worksheet):

Steps 1-3: Arm and Wrist Analysis

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Step 1: The Upper Arm position was determined to be slightly less than 90 degrees (45-90 degrees) for a base score of +3. An adjustment of +2 is added because the shoulder is raised and the upper arm is abducted. Upper Arm Score = +5 (locate and circle in Table A)

Step 2: The lower arm position is between 60-100 degrees of flexion. Lower Arm Score = +1 (locate and circle in Table A)

Step 3: The wrist position is slightly flexed (less than 15 degrees) and there is no adjustment for deviation. Wrist Score = +2 (locate and circle in Table A)

Step 4: The wrist is pronated within the mid-range. Score = +1 (locate and circle in Table A)

Note: Using the values from steps 1-4, locate the Table A Posture Score. In this example, the Table A Posture Score = 5.

Steps 5-8: Calculate the Arm & Wrist Score

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Step 5: Using the values from steps 1-4, locate the Table A Posture Score. Table A Posture Score = 5. Enter this value in the Step 5 score box.

Step 6: Determine the Muscle Use and add the appropriate score to this box. In this case the hammering action is repeated at least 4 times per minute. Score = +1

Step 7: Determine the Force/Load and add the appropriate score to the Step 7 box. In this case, repeated impact shocks are required by the hammering task. Therefore the Force/Load score is +3.

Step 8: Add the values in Steps 5-7 to obtain the total Arm & Wrist Score. In this case, the score is 9. Next, find the row for this score in Table C and circle that value.

Steps 9-12: Complete Section B - Neck, Trunk and Leg Analysis

Step 9: The Neck Position is near neutral with less than 10 degrees of flexion. No twisting or side bending is required. Score = +1

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Step 10: The Trunk Position while completing this job task is determined to be 0 – 20 degrees of trunk flexion. Score = +2 An adjustment of +1 is added to account for trunk side bending which is observed when the worker is performing the hammering task. Total Trunk Score = +3.

Step 11: The legs and feet are supported, so the Leg Score = +1.

Step 12: Using the values from steps 9-11 above, look-up the Section B Posture Score in Table B. Posture B Score = 3

Steps 13-15: Determine Section B Neck, Trunk, & Leg Score / Determine Final RULA Score

Step 13: Determine the Muscle Use Score. Static posture of the neck, trunk, or legs is not held >1 minute during this task, and there is no action of the neck, trunk, or legs repeated over 4x/minute. Muscle Use Score = 0

Step 14: Add the Force/Load Score. The load/force acting on the neck, trunk, or legs is < 4.4lbs. Force/Load Score = 0

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Step 15: Add the values from steps 12-14 to obtain the Neck, Trunk, Leg Score. Score = 3

Next, find the column in Table C and match with the Wrist/Arm Score row from Step 8 to obtain the Table C and Final RULA Score.

Final RULA Score = 6

Action Scale:

1-2 = acceptable posture

3-4 = further investigation, change may be needed

5-6 = further investigation, change soon

7 = investigate and implement change

Example 1 - RULA Excel Calculator:

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We have developed a RULA Excel calculator that can be used to very quickly calculate the total score and save the assessment digitally.

You will select from each drop-down menu to enter the scores. When all the data is entered, the spreadsheet will use the lookup tables to calculate the RULA score.

When using this calculator, I would recommend using our data collection worksheet (different from the RULA worksheet), which has been developed to gather the input data that you would need for the RULA Excel Calculator.

This slide shows the analysis for the Example 1 Coil Hammering task using our RULA Excel calculator:

Arm & Wrist Analysis

Upper Arm: The Upper Arm position is slightly less than 90 degrees (45-90 degrees) for a base score of +3. The shoulder is raised and the upper arm is abducted, so select “yes” for both of these fields and select “no” for the forward leaning field.

Lower Arm: The lower arm position is between 60-100 degrees of flexion. +1 The arms do not work across the midline or outside the body, so select “no” in answer to this question.

Wrist: The wrist position is slightly flexed (less than 15 degrees) and there is no adjustment for deviation. +2

Wrist Twist: The wrist is twisted slightly in the mid-range. +1

Arm & Wrist Muscle Use: The hammering action is repeated at least 4 times per minute. Score = +1

Arm & Wrist Force/Load: Since repeated impact shocks are required by this hammering task, select +3 from the menu.

Neck, Trunk, and Leg Analysis

Neck: The Neck Position is near neutral with less than 10 degrees of flexion. No twisting or side bending is required. Score = +1

Trunk Position: The Trunk Position while completing this job task is 0 – 20 degrees of trunk flexion. Score = +2 Select “no” for trunk twisting and account for trunk side bending by selecting “yes” to the side bending question.

Legs: The legs and feet are supported, so select the +1 Leg Score.

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Neck, Trunk, & Leg Muscle Use: There is no static or repetitive muscle use of the neck, trunk, or legs. Select the +0 score.

Neck, Trunk, & Leg Force/Load: The force or loads acting on the neck, trunk or leg is less than 4.4 pounds, so select the +0 score for Force/Load.

After all the fields are selected, the RULA score will be calculated for you.

Final RULA Score = 6

Example 2: Electrical Panel Assembly (Excel calculator)

Arm & Wrist Analysis

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Upper Arm: The Upper Arm position is greater than 90 degrees (100 degrees) for a base score of +4. The shoulder is raised and the upper arm is abducted, so select “yes” for both of these fields. The weight of the arm is supported by the tool, so we would select “yes” in the third field.

Lower Arm: The lower arm position is between 60-100 degrees of flexion. The arm does not work across the midline or outside the body, so select “no” in answer to this question. +1

Wrist: The wrist position is significantly flexed (>15 degrees) for a base score of +3 and is also ulnar deviated (+1) = +4

Wrist Twist: The wrist is twisted near the end-range. +2

Arm & Wrist Muscle Use: The posture is not sustained >1 minute or repeated >4 times per minute. Score = 0

Arm & Wrist Force/Load: The weight of the tool is < 4.4 lbs. – the Force/Load score for the Arm & Wrist = 0

Neck, Trunk, and Leg Analysis

Neck: The Neck Position is near neutral with less than 10 degrees of flexion. No twisting or side bending is required. Score = +1

Trunk Position: The Trunk Position while completing this job task is 20-60 degrees of trunk flexion. Score = +3 The trunk is twisted so select “yes” for trunk twisting and we would also account for trunk side bending by selecting “yes” to the side bending question. Trunk Score = +5

Legs: The legs and feet are supported, so select the +1 Leg Score.

Neck, Trunk, & Leg Muscle Use: There is no static or repetitive muscle use of the neck, trunk, or legs. Select the +0 score.

Neck, Trunk, & Leg Force/Load: There is no force or load on the neck, trunk or legs greater than 4.4 pounds, so select the +0 score for Force/Load.

After all the fields are selected, the RULA score will be calculated for you.

Final RULA Score = 7

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Example 3: Impact Driver Assembly (Excel calculator)

Arm & Wrist Analysis

Upper Arm: The Upper Arm position is in 20-45 degrees of flexion when viewed from the side, for a base score of +2. The shoulder is raised and the upper arm is abducted, so select “yes” for both of these fields. The weight of the arm is supported by the tool while performing the duration of this task, so we would select “yes” in the third field. Upper Arm Score = 3.

Lower Arm: The lower arm position is between 60-100 degrees of flexion. The arm does not work across the midline or outside the body, so select “no” in answer to this question. So the lower arm score is +1.

Wrist: The wrist position is significantly flexed (>15 degrees) for a base score of +3 and is also ulnar deviated from the midline (+1) = +4

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Wrist Twist: The wrist is twisted in pronation from the neutral position (thumb up) near the end-range. +2

Arm & Wrist Muscle Use: This task is repeated >4 times per minute. Score = +1

Arm & Wrist Force/Load: The weight of the tool is >4.4 - <22 lbs. and the tasks is repeated > 4x/minute, so the Force/Load score for the Arm & Wrist = +2.

Neck, Trunk, and Leg Analysis

Neck: The Neck Position is 10-20 degrees of flexion (viewed from side – not pictured) for a score of +2. No significant twisting or side bending is required, so there’s no adjustment. Score = +2

Trunk Position: The Trunk Position while completing this job task is 0-20 degrees of trunk flexion. Score = +2 The trunk is not twisted so select “no” for trunk twisting. The trunk is side bending, so select “yes” to the side bending adjustment field. Trunk Score = +3

Legs: The legs and feet are supported, so select the +1 Leg Score.

Neck, Trunk, & Leg Muscle Use: There is no static or repetitive muscle use of the neck, trunk, or legs. Select the +0 score.

Neck, Trunk, & Leg Force/Load: There is no force or load on the neck, trunk or legs greater than 4.4 pounds, so select the +0 score for Force/Load.

After all the fields are selected, the RULA score will be calculated for you.

Final RULA Score = 7

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Example 4: Light Fixture Assembly (Excel calculator)

Arm & Wrist Analysis

Upper Arm: The Upper Arm position is in 90 degrees of flexion, for a base score of +4. The shoulder is raised and the upper arm is abducted, so select “yes” for both of these fields. There is no forward leaning and the arm is not supported in this example, so select “no” on the final drop-down selection field. Total Upper Arm Score = 6

Lower Arm: The lower arm position is between 0-60 degrees of flexion. The arm does not work across the midline or outside the body, so select “no” in answer to this question. So the lower arm score is +2.

Wrist: The wrist position is significantly flexed (>15 degrees) for a base score of +3 and is also ulnar deviated from the midline (+1). Total Wrist Score = +4

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Wrist Twist: The wrist is twisted in pronation from the neutral position (thumb up) near the end-range. +2

Arm & Wrist Muscle Use: This task is repeated >4 times per minute. Score = +1

Arm & Wrist Force/Load: The weight of the tool is <4.4, so the Force/Load score for the Arm & Wrist = 0.

Neck, Trunk, and Leg Analysis

Neck: The Neck Position is 10-20 degrees of flexion for a score of +2. No significant twisting or side bending is required, so there’s no adjustment. Score = +2

Trunk Position: The Trunk Position while completing this job task is 0-20 degrees of trunk flexion. Score = +2 The trunk is not twisted so select “no” for trunk twisting. The trunk is side bending to the left when worker tries to limit shoulder abduction, so select “yes” to the side bending adjustment field. Trunk Score = +3

Legs: The legs and feet are supported, so select the +1 Leg Score.

Neck, Trunk, & Leg Muscle Use: There is no static or repetitive muscle use of the neck, trunk, or legs. Select the +0 score.

Neck, Trunk, & Leg Force/Load: There is no force or load on the neck, trunk or legs greater than 4.4 pounds, so select the +0 score for Force/Load.

After all the fields are selected, the RULA score will be calculated for you.

Final RULA Score = 7

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Example 4: Light Fixture Assembly Ergonomic Improvement (Excel calculator)

In this example, the worker was using an incorrect positioning jig for the light fixture being assembled. Use of the correct jig resulted in significant posture improvements, as indicated by the pictures and RULA post improvement assessment illustrated on this slide.

Arm & Wrist Analysis

Upper Arm: The Upper Arm position was reduced to 20-45 degrees of flexion, for a base score of +2. The shoulder is not raised or abducted, so select “no” for both of these fields. The weight of the arm unsupported and there is no forward leaning gravity assist. .

Lower Arm: The lower arm position is between 0 - 60 degrees of flexion. The arm does not work across the midline or outside the body, so select “no” in answer to this question. So the lower arm score is +2.

Wrist: The wrist position is flexed <15 degrees, for a base score of +2. The wrist is not significantly deviated from the midline. Wrist Score = +2.

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Wrist Twist: The wrist is twisted in the mid-range (thumb up) for a wrist twist adjustment of +1

Arm & Wrist Muscle Use: This task is repeated >4 times per minute. Score = +1

Arm & Wrist Force/Load: The weight of the tool is <4.4 lbs., so the Force/Load score for the Arm & Wrist is 0.

Neck, Trunk, and Leg Analysis

Neck: The Neck Position is >20 degrees of flexion for a score of +3. No significant twisting or side bending is required, so there’s no adjustment. Score = +3

Trunk Position: The Trunk Position while completing this job task is 0-20 degrees of trunk flexion. Score = +2 The trunk is not twisted or side bending, so select “no” to these adjustment fields. Trunk Score = +2

Legs: The legs and feet are supported, so select the +1 Leg Score.

Neck, Trunk, & Leg Muscle Use: There is no static or repetitive muscle use of the neck, trunk, or legs. Select the +0 score.

Neck, Trunk, & Leg Force/Load: There is no force or load on the neck, trunk or legs greater than 4.4 pounds, so select the +0 score for Force/Load.

After all the fields are selected, the RULA score will be calculated for you.

Final RULA Score = 3 (reduced from the previous score of 7)