Improving Productivity by Using RULA: A Case Study

Abstract

Musculoskeletal problems are a typical occupational issue for workers in India. The majority of small-scale companies currently employ manual labour, making the challenges of work-related musculoskeletal illnesses and injuries at various body sites of highest priority. Rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) was used as a postural analysis method for assessment, and the results show that the workers are exerting themselves above the safe level. The posture analysis of the workers in small industry is clarified by this ergonomic study. The research involved 5 workers who were employed in an industry. Images were then taken from the video footage recorded of the workers' various activities for the study. In this study, workers participating in various small-scale industry operations had their work posture evaluated. Utilizing RULA and, posture was evaluated. Worksheets are used for assessment. The majority of the workers were found to be at high risk levels and in need of quick modification using the RULA approach. The methodology found that while the majority of the workers were at high risk levels, some were at lower levels. Thus, it was determined that small size industries lack ergonomics awareness and understanding. RULA's assessment of postural analysis shows that the workers are exerting more effort than is secure. The majority of employees have hunched over postures. Therefore, there is a moderate to high risk of musculoskeletal problems among the workforces.