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 FriendlyEach job task should be analyzed to determine if it

is ergonomically safe and will not cause a work-related 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 nerveTenosynovites

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 microscopedrawing blood

Pipetting Tips

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

anti-fatigue mats if standing

For avoiding cumulative trauma disorders

Microscope Tips

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

For avoiding 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

Using Vibrating EquipmentTo avoid 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 on using the computer mouseFor avoiding cumulative trauma disorders

Tips for drawing blood

Avoid hunching over to collect bloodProperly positioning the patient arm to

allow comfortable access Avoid uncomfortable awkward positionsAvoid standing in one position for long

periods Take stretching breaks

For avoiding cumulative trauma disorders

Adjust chair & monitor heights

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 lightsTake frequent eye breaks

For avoiding cumulative trauma disorders

Take Stretching Breaks

Relieves muscle tightnessReduces risk of muscle painRelaxes tensionReduces stressVisit this web-site for more information

http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/LEISURE/LM/parks/cr1/activities/heathy/big5/off_exec.html

For avoiding cumulative trauma disorders

Referenceswww.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 29,2003www.osha.gov. Accessed September 29,2003http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/LEISURE/LM/parks/cr1/activities/heathy/big5/

off_exec.html