Stay up to date on the most current science with Brush Up Summaries.What Is Laboratory Ergonomics?Laboratory ergonomics involves developing workstations, tools, and processes to best enhance and fit the worker performance of the work system.Ergonomics attends to the whole human, spanning physical, cognitive, and work company domains. Main physical ergonomics threat factors consist of the following.Awkward body posturesNon-neutral postures such as the arm extended forward from the body, the neck bent up, the wrist bent to the side, or the back bent forwardForceful exertionsStrong muscle activity such as pinching, grasping, pushing with the finger/thumb, or lifting heavy itemsHigh frequency movementRepeating exertions without adequate rest within the work cycleLong work durationPerforming the exact same work job for long portions of the work shiftContact StressHard surfaces or sharp edges pushing on sensitive locations such as the finger, wrist, or elbowWhy Should Ergonomics Be a Priority?Avoid Fatigue, Discomfort, and InjuryProlonged direct exposure to ergonomic risk elements in the lab can lead to muscle tiredness, pain, and work-related musculoskeletal conditions such as tendonitis, muscle strain, or carpal tunnel syndrome.Combinations of danger elements additional increase the threat of injury. Choose low-force tools that promote neutral wrist posture and very little repeating, and utilize stands to hold tubes, plates, and bottles at an angle for simple access.Take frequent stops briefly and routine breaks to rest muscles that have actually been working, reset joints to neutral positions, and move the body to increase circulation.Bench, biosafety cabinet, and hood setupClear the space for knee (sitting) or toe clearance (standing).
Stay up to date on the newest science with Brush Up Summaries.What Is Laboratory Ergonomics?Laboratory ergonomics involves developing workstations, tools, and processes to best fit the worker and optimize efficiency of the work system.Ergonomics resolves the entire human, spanning physical, cognitive, and work organization domains. Primary physical ergonomics danger factors include the following.Awkward body posturesNon-neutral postures such as the arm extended forward from the body, the neck bent up, the wrist bent to the side, or the back bent forwardForceful exertionsStrong muscle activity such as pinching, grasping, pushing with the finger/thumb, or lifting heavy itemsHigh frequency movementRepeating exertions without sufficient rest within the work cycleLong work durationPerforming the same work task for long portions of the work shiftContact StressHard surfaces or sharp edges pushing on sensitive areas such as the finger, wrist, or elbowWhy Should Ergonomics Be a Priority?Avoid Fatigue, Discomfort, and InjuryProlonged direct exposure to ergonomic threat aspects in the laboratory can lead to muscle tiredness, discomfort, and job-related musculoskeletal disorders such as tendonitis, muscle strain, or carpal tunnel syndrome.Combinations of threat factors more increase the threat of injury. Hand muscle tiredness leads to lowered precision and accuracy and, as muscles tiredness, force output becomes more variable, which impacts task precision.2-5By following guidelines that enhance ergonomics, researchers can keep themselves and their experiments healthy.The ScientistWhat Are Common Ergonomic Hazards in the Life Science Laboratory?PipettingHand, elbow, and shoulder disorders are reported at greater rates for lab workers that regularly utilize manual pipettes, as compared to non-laboratory workers.6,7 This is attributed to the repetitive powerful hand and thumb exertions utilized to aspirate, dispense, and eject suggestions. Opening and closing tubes, holding and tilting plates or bottles, and repeated vortex use increases general risk exposure.Workstation Setup The design of the workspace and area of the tools effect the working posture in the following ways.Workstation ProblemResulting Awkward PostureBench without leg area Bent upper body with arms reaching forwardWorksurface greater than resting elbow heightShrugged shouldersWorksurface that is too lowBent neck and rounded backVortex at the back of the benchArm reaching away from the bodyPipetting inside a hood or biosafety cabinetShrugged shoulder and extended armMicroscope UseGiven the natural variation in human anthropometry and the fixed design of many microscopes, prolonged microscope work can result in musculoskeletal discomfort or injury associated with sustained uncomfortable postures and contact tension.8,9 Scientists might likewise experience eye stress if they have decreased blink-rates and take infrequent visual rest breaks.Tips for Improving Ergonomics in the LaboratoryDesign the space for adjustability, optimum body clearance, and minimum reach.Set up the office to promote neutral posture and offer assistance for the legs, back, and arms. Choose low-force tools that promote neutral wrist posture and minimal repetition, and utilize stands to hold tubes, plates, and bottles at an angle for easy access.Take regular stops briefly and routine breaks to rest muscles that have been working, reset joints to neutral positions, and move the body to increase circulation.Bench, biosafety cabinet, and hood setupClear the space for knee (sitting) or toe clearance (standing).