Position Statement
Subject:
Approval Date:
Review Date:
Review By:
Number:
Ergonomics
August 2006, August 2009, May 2014
May 2018
BPPQ
2/2006
Pathologists often work long hours, the tasks performed can be repetitive and the role is
physically and mentally demanding. As a result, pathologists may have an increased risk of
strain and musculoskeletal pain and the need for ergonomically designed work spaces is vital.
Ergonomics is the study of the relationship between human biology and environmental design.
Ergonomics is applied to match people with the equipment and surroundings that are most
appropriate for the tasks they need to perform. Ergonomic requirements differ between
individuals. Factors such as height, body shape, arm length, hand size, and visual acuity will
influence the suitability of different pieces of equipment.
Use of ergonomically incorrect equipment can result in muscle fatigue and pain (particularly
headaches), eye strain or overuse injuries through repetitive small movements. Symptoms
such as these can, in turn, result in an increased rate of human error, reduced productivity,
heightened stress and impaired job satisfaction.
Employers have a duty of care, as part of their occupational health and safety obligations to
their employees, to provide an ergonomically suitable environment. Employees have a
responsibility to advise their employers when they believe a piece of equipment or other part of
their surroundings is not ergonomically appropriate for them. It is important that employees raise
concerns with employers as this is frequently the only way an employer can become aware that
there is a problem.
To assist Fellows and trainees with understanding their ergonomic requirements, the College
commissioned Occupational Ergonomics Pty Ltd to prepare a report on ergonomics for
pathologists. This report is available on the RCPA website and this College position statement
reflects the key recommendations in that report in order to minimise the risk of strain and injury,
as follows:
General Principles
Regardless of the tasks they are completing individuals should be able to sit comfortably while
working i.e.
• Feet should be supported on the floor or with a footrest.
• Work surface height should be adjusted according to the task – writing / keyboard tasks
should be done with elbows flexed (90 degrees or greater); fine manipulative tasks and
those in which visual acuity is important should be between shoulder and elbow height;
and tasks requiring force should be between elbow and hip height.
• Back should be straight and lumbar / lower thoracic spine supported by chair backrest.
• Armrests should have no hard or sharp edges.
• Microscopes should be raised to an appropriate height so that staff do not flex their
necks for extended periods of time.
1
•
•
•
•
Microscope adjustment controls should be easy to use so that minimal muscle effort is
required when viewing slides and arms should be supported when making fine
adjustments to avoid excessive muscle effort to maintain posture.
Frequently used items should be within easy reach while staff are seated.
Staff should have a telephone headset or earpiece for frequent or extended telephone
calls to prevent “propping” telephone handset between shoulder and ear.
Staff should avoid awkward and sustained postures – they should sit directly in front of
the equipment they are using without twisting or stretching to reach items.
To ensure that the above recommendations are implemented:
• Adjustability should be designed and supplied wherever possible
o Height adjustable desks, footrests provided, enough leg room to sit comfortably
and change foot and leg position as desired.
o Chairs - adjustment controls for backrest tilt, backrest or lumbar support height
and height adjustable seat. Seat pan tilt is optional but should be independent of
backrest tilt. Armrests (if present) should not protrude into work area, nor
prevent user from bringing chair close to desk.
o Fully adjustable microscopes: height, ocular height, angle, extending supports.
• Lighting should be adequate and controlled to prevent glare and reflection on computer
monitors.
• Software applications should be fully compatible and integrated with pathology software
– this includes speech recognition software to reduce the amount of typing.
• Staff should take regular breaks to minimise risk of pain, symptoms and/or injury
o in general 5 minutes break every half hour, or 10 minutes every hour
o complete stretching exercises regularly throughout the day
o rest eyes by completing eye exercises – changing the focal distance regularly.
• Staff should be consulted in the design and set-up of their work areas (so that individual
needs can be considered), and trained in the use of ergonomic equipment.
In addition to the Occupational Ergonomics report, the College website has articles regarding
microscope ergonomics. Comcare (Federal) and WorkCover (state) government websites, as
well as Standards Australia, have general resources on ergonomics.