Assessment of the validity and reliability of RULA To assess the validity of RULA an experiment was conducted in an ergonomics laboratorv using a VDTUbaseddata-entryoperation. Underlabo;atoryconditions the exposure of operators to postural loading could be controlled. The aim of the experiment was to establish whether RULA assessments provided a good indication of musculoskeletal loading which might be reported as pain, ache or discomfort in the relevant body region. Sixteen experienced operators (1 male and 15 female, mean age 32.4 years) performed a VDU-based dataentry task of 40 min in one of two working postures. Each operator completed eight tasks (four in each posture condition) during four sessions which were conducted at the same time of day during four consecutive weeks. The order of postures was randomized. A height-adjustable chair and monitor stand were used vvith a VDU table and footstool The equipment was adjusted so that each subject was in a posture which gave a RULA score of 1 for the first experimental condition. For the second condition, the screen was placed on the table so that it caused 20” or more neck flexion; the kevboard was placed so that the forearms were flexed mire than 90”. the right wrist was extended and in ulnar deviation. In addition, the foot support was removed. The task required data entry only, using the rightside number pad. The data for keying were presented on the screen to control for neck posture changes. Before starting and at the completion of each task the subjects marked any areas of pain, ache or discomfort they were experiencing on a body map based on the Corleit and Bishop body part discomfort (BPD) method’ I. Recording of RULA was conducted 15 min after starting the task when the operator had settled into a working rhythm and posture. The right side of the body was evaluated, encing higher musculoske that was the arm experial loading.