Food Product Manufacture

The RULA method was used in conjunction with REBA in the food industry. It was concluded that workers adopted postures that could lead to musculoskeletal disorders [65]. Similar results were obtained by applying RULA together with other assessment tools on pineapple peeling workers, obtaining a risk Level 3 assessment [76]. It was also applied in a sugar factory assessing the bag movement task. A high-risk level was determined [64].

In two other cases, negative results were shown for certain body regions. One of them applied the method to a frozen food business, along with other tools such as the Nordic Questionnaire. This was applied to both production and office workers. The greatest discomfort appeared at the elbow [77]. The other focused on workers in a meat packing factory. RULA, a human body diagram and anthropometric measurements were used. The shoulder was shown to be at risk. It was concluded that corrective measures were required [104].

Other authors used 3D simulation and the I-DEAS programme to replace the work of a robot (used for processing fruits and vegetables) with a worker. RULA and LBA (Lower Back Analysis) were employed for the ergonomic analysis. The results found a particular posture that the seated worker could adopt to avoid a high risk to the lower back and upper limbs [105].

Finally, a study was carried out on baristas tasked with tamping espresso coffee. RULA was used in conjunction with sensors placed on the column and a force plate. Lower scores were shown when using a flat tamper rather than a traditional one [58].
