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ErgoPOSI – REBA & RULA Ergonomic Analysis Tutorial
Perform ergonomic risk assessments easily with REBA and RULA methods using ErgoPOSI – the online ergonomic analysis tool.
📐 ERGONOMIC RISK ASSESSMENT IN OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH:
REBA and RULA Methods
Both RULA and REBA are observational methods designed to quickly assess the risk of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) associated with fixed or challenging body postures during work tasks.
1. RULA Method (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment)
RULA was developed to quickly screen and assess the strain and risks primarily associated with the upper body regions (neck, shoulders, arms, wrists). It is ideal for tasks involving prolonged static postures or repetitive hand/arm movements, such as office work and light assembly.
Core Focus Points:
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Body Part Groups: The analyzed body parts are divided into two main groups:
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Group A: Arms, forearms, and wrists.
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Group B: Neck, trunk, and legs.
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Scoring System: Scoring is based on posture, muscle activity (static/repetitive), and force/load usage.
Interpretation of the RULA Score:
2. REBA Method (Rapid Entire Body Assessment)
REBA is an evolution of RULA.
It covers the entire body and is more robust for assessing risk in tasks involving unstable, variable, or sudden postures, as well as lifting/carrying loads.
Core Focus Points:
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Body Part Groups: Similar to RULA but more comprehensive:
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Group A: Trunk, neck, and legs.
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Group B: Upper arms, lower arms, and wrists.
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Additions: In addition to posture, muscle use, and force/load, REBA incorporates more dynamic factors such as Coupling (Grip) and the Activity Score (repetition, rapid changes).
Interpretation of the REBA Score:
3. REBA vs. RULA Comparison
Both methods are based on observational analysis and require a trained professional to analyze the worker's task, often using video recordings or live observation.
4. 📝 Key Considerations When Conducting the Analysis
Both RULA and REBA are quick, observation-based analysis tools. To ensure the reliability and scientific validity of the analyses, the following steps and points must be considered:
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Selecting the Correct Posture (Pose):
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The posture that represents the most strenuous moment of the job, where the risk of MSDs is highest, should be selected.
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If there are multiple challenging postures within a work cycle, each must be analyzed separately.
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Observation Angle:
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To accurately measure posture angles, the worker should ideally be recorded or observed from the side and the back.
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Angular assessments must strictly adhere to the rules of the specific methodology being used (RULA or REBA).
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Single-Side Analysis:
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Both REBA and RULA are typically applied to only one side of the body (right or left).
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If there is a significant difference between the two sides, both sides must be analyzed separately.
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Force/Load Assessment:
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Accurately determining the force the worker is exposed to (the weight of the lifted load, or the pushing/pulling effort) is critical for the sensitivity of the final score.
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Muscle Use/Activity Score:
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Static postures (holding a body part in the same position for longer than 1 minute) or frequent repetitive movements increase this score and, consequently, the final risk. These situations must be accurately identified.
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Training and Expertise:
The person conducting the analysis (Ergonomist/Safety Specialist) must be trained and experienced in these methods to minimize observation errors.
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Conclusion
The REBA (Rapid Entire Body Assessment) and RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment) methods are the gold standards of ergonomics for quickly mapping, prioritizing, and measuring the effectiveness of engineering and administrative solutions for workplace ergonomic risks. The correct application of these met hods is the first step toward creating a healthier and more productive work environment.
