Rapid Upper Limb Assessment
Abstract
The purpose of this investigation was to practice the use of Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and to practice the use of ergonomic principles for system improvements. This was done by observing a worker in her workstation and filling out the cumulative trauma checklist, the RULA, and posture assessment. As a result of the investigation, the process was documented using these checklists giving a better understanding of the uses of these charts. From the use of the charts opinions regarding the checklists were formed, and workstation improvements were found.
Introduction
The problem investigated in this lab assessing a worker’s posture in the workplace using the RULA, the CTD Checklist and the Posture Assessment. This problem is important because the information from these charts can prevent work related injuries and can also increase the productivity of the worker. After observing a worker in her workplace, the checklists were used and it was found that the most strain was on the worker’s back, wrists and hands.
Materials and Methods
The materials necessary to complete this experiment include: ErgoMaster RULA, a Cumulative Trauma Checklist, and the Posture Assessment.
This experiment entails the following procedure:
- A worker was observed in her workstation.
- Digital Pictures were taken of the worker in her workstation.
- The RULA, the Cumulative Trauma Checklist and the Posture Assessment were filled out and analyzed.
Results
Appendix A, the RULA, shows the different actions of the workers body. The highest score was a 4, meaning the actions done by this body part should be investigated further, found on the wrist and arm as well as the neck, trunk & leg. Body parts receiving a 3 should also be investigated further and these include the upper extremities, trunk position, and wrist position. The Cumulative Trauma Checklist, seen in Appendix B shows the effort, continuous effort time, effort/minute, and priority for change of the worker’s body parts. The back and wrist/hands/fingers were given the highest priority for this experiment, which was “moderate”. The problems due to the worker’s posture were analyzed in the Posture Assessment, Appendix C. The Forward Flexion of the neck and the elbow angle were both moderate.
Discussion
From the three assessments, that used I prefer the Cumulative Trauma Checklist. This assessment provides specific information about what body parts are most affected and how important change is for each area. It considers effort exerted, amount of time effort is exerted over, how many efforts are exerted per minute and then rates then prioritizes the efforts for each body part, giving a clear indication of which body parts are problem areas. The posture assessment describes the severity of body posture problems, but does not take into consideration cumulative trauma. It measures the body angles and rates the severity of the problem based on the angle. The workstation can then be altered to correct any severe problems. The RULA has information that could be useful but does not point out the exact body part affected. The scores describe the acceptability of the work being done by the upper limbs.
This workstation could be improved by lowering the table height to decrease the elbow angle of this worker. Also, the paper the worker is using as a reference to type from could be moved into the worker’s line of vision so that the worker would not have to lean to the side to see it. The paper could be propped up next to the computer so that no leaning is necessary. This would decrease or eliminate the wear on the worker’s back. Since the chair is already adjustable, and the distance to reach the keyboard or see the computer screen is acceptable, no improvements are necessary in these areas.
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