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