The tool was developed Dr Lynn McAtamney, a co-founder of COPE, leaders in Occupational Ergonomics, in conjunction with Professor Nigel Corlett, of University of Nottingham.

A RULA assessment requires little time to complete, no specialist equipment and the scoring generates an action list which indicated the level of intervention required to reduce the risks of injury due to physical loading on the operator.

RULA is intended to be used as part of a broader ergonomic study. The reliability and validity of the tool was established in a series of studies conducted with VDU users and sewing machine operators.

RULA is of particular assistance in fulfilling the assessment requirements of both the European Community Directive (90/270/EEC) on the minimum safety and health requirements for work with display screen equipment and the UK Guidelines on the prevention of work-related upper limb disorders

Step 1 - Observing and selecting the posture(s) to assess

RULA is used to assess moments of a work cycle by observing the range of postures adopted whilst undertaking tasks prior to selecting the posture(s) for assessment. Depending upon the type of assessment, selection may be made of the longest held posture or what appears to be the worst posture(s) adopted. For example, when the work cycle is long or the postures are varied it may be more appropriate to take an assessment at regular intervals. It will be evident that, if assessments are taken at set intervals over the working period, the proportion of time spent in the various postures can be evaluated.

Step 2 - Scoring and recording the posture

Decide whether the left, right or both upper arms are to be assessed. Score the posture of each body part using the electronic tool. Review the scoring and make any adjustments if required. Select calculation button.

Step 3 - Action Level

The grand score is compared to the Action Level List. Since the human body is a complex and adaptive system, they provide a guide for further action. In most cases, to ensure efficient and effective control of any risks identified, the actions lead to a detailed investigation. This is described further in "Reducing the Risks of Work Related Upper Limb Disorders: A Guide and Methods" available from The Institute for Occupational Ergonomics.