REBA and RULA score is a common practice in the creation of ergonomic designs. Especially in industrial engineering or product design programs, the computation of RULA and REBA scores is considered crucial. The practical application of this knowledge is evident in the design of ergonomic office desks and chairs. Therefore, we will discuss how to calculate the RULA score for office desks!
What is RULA Score ?
RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment) actively evaluates posture, force, and movements linked to upper limb usage. It actively analyzes body movements, assigning dynamic values from 1 to 7 to each body part’s motion. These scores actively indicate the risk level associated with individual movements. In essence, RULA actively assesses the extent of movement in each analyzable body part.
How To Calculate RULA Score Towards Office Desks!
The active dominance of RULA scores in product design ensures the ergonomic quality of each manufactured product. Consequently, this method plays a crucial role in establishing standards. Moreover, there is a need for adjusting activities to align with the instrument to be created.
Read More : Try to Find The Right Anthropometer Rod? Here’s Your Solution
1. Analysis of Arm Position
The initial inquiry commonly focuses on the extent of movement in the arms and hands during typing or writing activities. Furthermore, understanding the hand position and any additional movements is crucial.
In practical terms, aligning the positions of the arms and hand movements with the dimensions of the work desk is essential. Additionally, when conducting RULA analysis, it becomes crucial to measure hand reach, signifying the length of the hand.
2. Analysis of Muscle Usage in the Hands and Wrists
Paying attention to repetitive movements commonly used during desk activities is essential. These repetitive motions involve repeatedly performing actions, such as using a mouse, laptop, or personal computer.
This analysis actively considers the strain placed on the hands and wrists during activities. In essence, it actively emphasizes the need for careful consideration in choosing keyboards and mice to establish a more ergonomic position.
How to count Muscle Usage in the Hands and Wrists = Posture Score A + Muscle Score + Load
= 2 + 1 + 0
= 3
Analyzing the table reveals that the seated individual actively exhibits a working posture with an upper arm posture score of 1. This arises from the active forward movement of the upper arm within the 20-45 degree range, actively with support or leaning. Transitioning to the assessment of the lower arm, it actively earns a score of 2, actively positioning itself in the 60-100 degree range with arms crossed.
Focusing on the wrist, it actively receives a score of 2 for actively being in a position of 0-15 degrees upward. Subsequently, an active score of 1 is actively assigned as the wrist actively rotates from the central area. The assessment results, actively derived from actively observing the upper arm, lower arm, wrist, and wrist movement during work, actively go into the posture score A table as 2, followed by 1 due to the active repetition of the posture 4 times per minute. In conclusion, an active score of 3 is actively obtained for the wrist and lower arm.
3. Scores for Neck, Torso, and Legs
Scores for Neck, Torso, and Legs = Posture Score B + Muscle Score + Load
= 3 + 1 (static posture >10 minutes & repetition) + 0 (lifting load less
than 4.4 lbs)
= 4Furthermore, actively analyzing the degree of movement in the neck, torso, and legs is crucial. In the illustration, the seated worker actively attains a neck posture score of 1 due to actively moving forward (0o-10o). Additionally, the torso actively achieves a score of 2 for actively leaning forward (20-60 degrees), while the legs actively secure a score of 1 for active support.
Upon actively inputting these values into posture table B, they actively contribute to a total of 4 due to the static posture exceeding 10 minutes. The final result of this active observation is then actively entered into Table A.5, actively yielding an RULA score of 4.
Choosing an Ergonomic Work Desk and Chair
Analyzing the data indicates that the worker in the above image faces a low risk of musculoskeletal disorders, commonly associated with muscle and joint problems.
Nevertheless, it is advisable to actively adjust the choice of the desk and chair according to the worker’s anthropometry. Anthropometry, actively measuring various parts of the body to establish manufacturing standards, remains crucial in ergonomic design.
The active tools for designing ergonomic work desks and chairs encompass Anthropometric Chairs and the METRISIS Anthropometry Portable Complete Set Series.
1. Anthropometric Chair
The widely used Anthropometric Chair in sports science departments in Indonesia and India performs 34 measurements in three positions, actively aiding in analyzing athletes’ body posture
2.Anthropometry Portable Complete Set Series
The Anthropometry kit comprises crucial tools like the anthropometer, small and large spreading calipers, and the sliding caliper. Each tool serves a specific purpose for detailed measurements—anthropometer for vertical body dimensions, spreading calipers for circumferential measurements, and sliding caliper for smaller vertical dimensions like palm and finger length.
Get Anthropometric Tools for Product Design
If you are interested in both instruments, please contact admin@soloabadi.com or reach out to us on WhatsApp at 08510888111 to receive a special price offer.
