RULA was developed to provide a rapid assessment of the loads on the musculoskeletal system of operators
due to posture, muscle function and the forces they exert. It is designed to assess operators who may be
exposed to musculoskeletal loading which is known to contribute to upper limb disorders. RULA fulfils the role of providing ‘a method for screening a iarge number of operators quickly, but the scoring system developed also provides an indication of the level of loading experienced by the individual body parts. RULA is used without the need for any equipment and, after training in its use, has proved a reliable tool for use by those whose job it is to undertake workplace assessments. It can be used as a screening tool or incorporated into a wider &gonomics assessment of epidemiological, physical, mental, environmental and organizational factors.