Ergonomics in Lab
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MCL Pathology
Ergonomics in the Lab
What is Ergonomics?
The word ergonomics is derived from the Greek
words “ergon” which means work and “nomos”
which means laws.
It’s focus today is designing jobs that meet the
capabilities of the worker.
It encompasses both the physical stresses and
environmental factors which effects the overall
comfort and health of the employee.
Definition of Ergonomics
an applied science concerned with designing and
arranging the things people use so that the
people and things interact most efficiently and
safely - called also human engineering
- er·go·nom·ic - adjective
- er·go·nom·i·cal·ly - adverb
- er·gon·o·mist - noun
From Merriam-Webster's® Collegiate Dictionary online
Ergonomically Friendly
Each job task should be analyzed to determine if it
is ergonomically safe and will not cause a workrelated illness or disability.
Most of the ergonomic injuries are caused by
poorly-designed workstations or job tasks.
Repetitive job tasks should be evaluated and
action taken to avoid cumulative trauma
disorders (CTD).
Cumulative Trauma Disorders
Are injuries which accrue gradually over
time that are caused by continuous
exposure to some kind of harmful agent.
They are injuries which do not occur if the
action is only performed once.
They can also be prevented if proper
biomechanics are devised and utilized.
Common Cumulative Trauma Disorders
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
enlargement of tendons or ligaments in the
wrist causing impingement of the nerve
Tenosynovites
inflammation of the tendon synovial sheath
Tendonitis
inflammation of a tendon
Causes of CTDs in the lab
Repetitive movements
pipetting
vibrations caused by centrifuges
typing
excess use of the mouse
awkward posture
using microscope
drawing blood
Pipetting Tips
For avoiding cumulative trauma disorders
Adjust height of chair to avoid reaching and neck strain
Sit close to workbench, supported against backrest
Choose a light-weight pipetter and use minimum
pressure with a relaxed grip
Place pipette tips and waste receptacles within a
comfortable reach
Avoid twisting and rotating wrist while pipetting
Schedule short breaks while pipetting and use antifatigue mats if standing
Microscope Tips
For avoiding cumulative trauma disorders
Allow for ample leg space under microscope
Avoid neck strain by adjusting chair &
microscope for proper head height
Sit close to microscope using a chair with back
support
Take short breaks and spread microscopic
work out throughout day
Using Vibrating Equipment
To avoid cumulative trauma disorders
Avoid leaning on benches while the centrifuge
is spinning
Keep centrifuges from touching workbenches
whenever possible
Avoid the continuous use of a vortex mixer
Never open a centrifuge until it is completely
stopped
Tips on using the computer mouse
For avoiding cumulative trauma disorders
Avoid awkward positions
e.g. mouse too far away
don’t overextend arm
Position hand directly on mouse
avoid hunching upward
Alternate key strokes
avoid repetitive actions
Take frequent breaks
Tips for drawing blood
For avoiding cumulative trauma disorders
Avoid hunching over to collect blood
Properly positioning the patient arm to allow
comfortable access
Avoid uncomfortable awkward positions
Avoid standing in one position for long periods
Take stretching breaks
Adjust chair & monitor heights
For avoiding cumulative trauma disorders
Make sure monitor is at eye level
center monitor in front of you
Work 23 to 29 inches from the monitor
distance depends on individual focal length
Keep monitor away from bright lights
Take frequent eye breaks
Take Stretching Breaks
For avoiding cumulative trauma disorders
Relieves muscle tightness
Reduces risk of muscle pain
Relaxes tension
Reduces stress
Visit this web-site for more information
http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/LEISURE/LM/parks/cr1/activities/heathy/big5/off_
exec.html
References
www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/ disorders/carpal_doc.htm.
Accessed September 29,2003
Gile, TJ Ergonomics in the Laboratory. LabMed May 2001 pp263-267
Alaimo RJ Handbook of Chemical Health and Safety. Oxford University
Press, Oxford. 2001 pp 513-528
What is “Ergonomics”?. Available at :
http://www.sfwa.org/ergonomics/whatis.htm. Accessed 6/11/03.
UCSB Ergonomic Training Manual Available at: http://
www.ehs.ucsb.edu/units/iipp/iipprsc/ergoguidelines.pdf
http://ergonomics.ucla.edu/lab.html. Accessed September 29,2003
www.osha.gov. Accessed September 29,2003
http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/LEISURE/LM/parks/cr1/activities/heathy/big5/o
ff_exec.html