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Laboratory Ergonomics
Author: Tanya Barrett, MT(ASCP) Reviewer: Paula Crawford, CLS(NCA), MT(ASCP)

Course Instructions
Please proceed through the course by clicking on the blue arrows or text links. Use the table of contents to monitor your progress. Your progress will be saved automatically as you proceed through the course, and you may later continue where you left off even if you use a different computer. You may encounter practice questions within the course, which are not graded or recorded.

Course Info
This course carries the following continuing education credits:
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P.A.C.E. Contact Hours: 1.00 hour(s) Course Number: 578-009-09 Florida CE: Supervision/Administration, Quality Control/Quality Assurance, and Safety: 1.00 hour(s)

Introduction

Ergonomics
Ergonomics is a scientific discipline that studies human capabilities in relation to work demands. Ergonomics considers many disciplines in its study including psychology, physiology, kinesiology, industrial engineering, anthropometry (the science of human measurement) and biomechanics (the study of muscular activity).

Introduction

Ergonomic Evaluation
Ergonomics evaluates work performance, viewing human and environment as one unit. If the human does not operate smoothly and efficiently with the environment, optimal performance will not be achieved and injuries may result. Since the human form cannot be redesigned, the environment must be evaluated and altered if necessary to achieve the best fit for the human operator to perform the task involved.

Introduction

Ungraded Practice Question

The scientific study of human response to work demand is referred to as which of the following? Please select the single best answer j Biomechanics k l m n j Musculoskeletal Disorders k l m n j Ergonomics k l m n

Introduction

Ungraded Practice Question

The scientific study of human response to work demand is referred to as which of the following? Please select the single best answer j Biomechanics k l m n j Musculoskeletal Disorders k l m n j Ergonomics k l m n

Feedback Ergonomics evaluates work performance, viewing human and environment as one unit. If the human does not operate smoothly and efficiently with the environment, optimal performance will not be achieved.

Musculoskeletal Disorders

Causes of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders

The primary goal of ergonomics is the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). There are many potential causes of MSDs. Injury can occur from a single event (strain, sprain, slip, or fall) or result from build-up of tissue damage from many small injuries. An MSD can develop over time if a motion is repeated consistently so that the constant trauma causes damage to a muscle, tendon, bone, or bursa of a joint. Force, vibration, or maintenance of an awkward position for a prolonged period of time can cause MSDs. Some specific causes of MSDs that are related to laboratory tasks are:
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Prolonged use of a keyboard or mouse Prolonged sitting at a microscope Pipetting Screwing and unscrewing vial caps Standing at a laboratory instrument for a prolonged period of time Lack of rest-- intensive hours at the workstation with few breaks Sustained awkward position

Musculoskeletal Disorders

Repetitive Motion Injuries

Repetitive motions can cause a variety of disorders that affect nerves, tendons, and muscles. Symptoms can include tingling or numbness in the fingers or hands, decreased range of motion, decreased grip strength, sleep interrupted by numbness or discomfort in the hands, pain in fingers, hands, or wrist, or pain shooting up into the forearms or arms. Some common afflictions that could affect laboratory workers due to the nature of their jobs are listed in the table below. Condition Carpal tunnel syndrome Symptoms Pain that radiates up the arm, numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, or middle finger and weakness in the wrist and hand Numbness and tingling in the hand, intensified with overhead activities Elbow pain, pain near the base of thumb, or pain anywhere in between. A common symptom is wrist weakness. Stiffness, tightness, and burning sensation; may experience a deep nonspecific pain. Grip impairment. Cause Compression of the median nerve that runs from the forearm into the hand

Thoracic outlet syndrome Radial tunnel syndrome

Compression of the nerves and blood vessels between the neck and shoulder Compression or entrapment of the radial nerve; may be caused by repetitive wrist and finger extension or repetitive forearm turning. Repetitive motions or maintaining an awkward position that stresses tendons beyond their strength. Friction from overuse can cause inflammation.

Tendinitis

Occurs most often in the tendons of the fingers, thumb, forearm, elbow, and shoulder. Tenosynovitis Pain, swelling, difficulty moving the joint in the affected area Inflammation of the tendon sheath

Musculoskeletal Disorders

Eyestrain
Eyestrain is a common problem associated with the prolonged use of computers or microscopes. Symptoms of eyestrain include:
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Blurred or double vision Itchy, dry, sore, burning, or tired eyes Headaches Color fringes / after images Sensitivity to light

Musculoskeletal Disorders

Ungraded Practice Question

Which of the following is a symptom of a repetitive motion injury? Please select the single best answer j Numbness in the hands or fingers k l m n j Itching k l m n j Loss of appetite k l m n j There are no physical symptoms k l m n

Musculoskeletal Disorders

Ungraded Practice Question

Which of the following is a symptom of a repetitive motion injury? Please select the single best answer j Numbness in the hands or fingers k l m n j Itching k l m n

j Loss of appetite k l m n j There are no physical symptoms k l m n

Feedback Numbness (or tingling) in the hands or fingers is a symptom of a repetitive motion injury. Other symptoms include decreased range of motion, decreased grip strength, sleep interrupted by numbness or discomfort in the hands, pain in fingers, hands, or wrist, or pain shooting up into the forearms or arms.

Musculoskeletal Disorders

Ungraded Practice Question

Light sensitivity and headaches are symptoms of what disorder? Please select the single best answer j Carpal tunnel syndrome k l m n j Eyestrain k l m n j Tenosynovitis k l m n

Musculoskeletal Disorders

Ungraded Practice Question

Light sensitivity and headaches are symptoms of what disorder? Please select the single best answer j Carpal tunnel syndrome k l m n j Eyestrain k l m n j Tenosynovitis k l m n

Feedback Symptoms of eyestrain include:

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Sensitivity to light Headaches Blurred or double vision Itchy, dry, sore, burning, or tired eyes Color fringes / after images

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a compression of the median nerve that runs from the forearm into the hand; it causes pain that radiates up the arm, numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, or middle finger and weakness in the wrist and hand. Tenosynovitis is an inflammation of the tendon sheath that causes pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the joint in the affected area.

Ergonomic Strategies

Learn to Use Your "Ergonomic Eye"

Ergonomics is an important part of the overall laboratory safety program that ensures the well-being of all employees. The potential for MSDs while performing routine tasks exist in all areas of the laboratory. Laboratory workers should apply ergonomic principles to the performance of their job tasks and should report workplace design concerns. Each physical activity should be observed for opportunities to decrease physical stress and increase comfort.

Ergonomic Strategies

Body Position
Take frequent posture breaks; if standing, sit periodically. If sitting, stand about every 20 minutes and walk around. Shoulders and Arms
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Keep the shoulders relaxed, not shrugged-up or slumped-down. Keep your elbows close to your body Keep work at elbow height and directly in front of you as shown in the image below.

Head and Neck

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Avoid situations that require prolonged or repetitive twisting, forward-bending, or backward-bending of the neck.

Hands and Wrists

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Keep the hand in line with the forearm. Avoid repetitive twisting of the wrists. Avoid working with wrists pressed against hard surfaces or edges as shown in the image below.

Feet and Legs

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Place a foot on a footrest for comfort Provide a toe space to allow work closer to counters and reduce reaching. Use mats on hard floors to reduce fatigue as shown in the image below.

Back
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Stand straight. Avoid situations that require bending forward, backward, leaning side-to-side, or twisting. Use a stool to provide an occasional change in posture. If working seated, use a back rest/support to maintain proper posture. The chair that is shown in the image below offers neck, back, and lumbar support.

Ergonomic Strategies

Ergonomic Guidelines for Computer Users

A. Computer monitors should be approximately 18" - 24" away from the eyes. The top of the monitor is best set at eye level so that the eyes gravitate toward the center of the screen. B. Try to avoid glare from the light. C. Computer monitors should be set directly in front of the user D. Keep forearms 90 from your spine and keep elbows in close to the body. E. If seated, thighs should be parallel to the floor and about a 90 angle with the calves.

F. Use an adjustable chair, preferably with padded arms. Adjust the chair or work surface (if possible) to the correct position. Avoid leaning forward or to the side. Do not lean on work surfaces. Do not lean on elbows or armrests. Keep neck and shoulders in a relaxed position. G. Place keyboard in a comfortable position (preferably on an adjustable keyboard tray) and use a wrist/palm rest. H. Place feet flat on the floor or on a footrest and do not crowd the legs or body into a cramped or cluttered work space. Use a document holder to keep working documents at eye level with the screen. To avoid eyestrain, follow the 20/20/20 rule. Every 20 minutes, take a 20 second break to focus on a spot 20 feet away.

Ergonomic Strategies Examine the image on the right. What problems can you see that may result in MSDs for this laboratory worker if her job involves frequent use of the computer for prolonged periods of time? Click here to see the potential ergonomic hazards. Click here to see what measures the worker can take to avoid the possibility of MSDs related to working at the computer.

Ergonomic Strategies Examine the image on the right. What problems can you see that may result in MSDs for this laboratory worker if her job involves frequent use of the computer for prolonged periods of time? Click here to see the potential ergonomic hazards. Click here to see what measures the worker can take to avoid the possibility of MSDs related to working at the computer.

Feedback

Ergonomic Strategies

Guidelines for Lifting, Lowering, and Carrying

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Reduce the weight of an object whenever possible by reducing the container size/capacity. Reduce the hand distance from the body by changing the shape of the container or providing grips or handles enabling the load to be held closer to the body. Use carts, hand trucks, etc. to convert load lifting to a push or pull task. Reduce the carrying distance by moving the storage area closer to production areas. Assess an item before lifting it. Get help if the item is too heavy, large, or awkward. Store heavy objects on shelves below shoulder height and no lower than knee-height. Store materials that are frequently used on shelving units that are located no higher than shoulder height.

Lifting a heavy object To pick up the item, secure it firmly in your hands, keep the item close to the body, bend your knees, keeping your back in its natural arched position, and lift with your legs; leg muscles have more power than the smaller muscles in the back. The object to be lifted should be directly in front of you. Lift it straight up, using a smooth motion. Avoid asymmetric lifting (twisting while lifting).

Ergonomic Strategies

Ungraded Practice Question

Which of the following is NOT a good work practice? Please select the single best answer j Keep work at elbow height k l m n j Stand straight k l m n

j Sit forward and lean on elbows k l m n j Keep hands in line with forearms k l m n

Ergonomic Strategies

Ungraded Practice Question

Which of the following is NOT a good work practice? Please select the single best answer j Keep work at elbow height k l m n j Stand straight k l m n j Sit forward and lean on elbows k l m n j Keep hands in line with forearms k l m n

Feedback Avoid leaning forward or to the side. Do not lean on work surfaces. Do not lean on elbows or armrests.

Ergonomic Strategies: Your Ergonomic Assessment

Work Station
Evaluate your work station including leg room, reach radius, accessibility of commonly used materials, and height of the work surface. Adequate space should be available to accommodate equipment and allow for full range of motion. Chair Personnel who sit for long periods of time should adjust chairs so that feet are flat on the floor or on a footrest. Chairs should have some primary features that can be easily adjusted including controls to raise and lower chair, seat pan adjustment, lumbar support, and backrest tilt or angle. Adjust the seat back slightly forward if necessary to avoid leaning forward unsupported or jutting your head forward. Reach radius Regularly used items should be close to the worker to avoid leaning forward and over-extending reach radius. Adjust your work space so that you can reach tools and equipment without unusual bending or twisting. Avoid reaching or bending - arrange the work area properly within the "work zone". Avoid reaching more than 10 - 15 inches in front of the body for frequently used materials or 20 inches for items that are used occasionally. Avoid reaching above shoulder height, below waist level, or behind the body to minimize shoulder strain.

Avoid repetitive work that requires full arm extension (i.e., the elbow held straight and the arm extended). The image illustrates a workstation that is used by a technologist who performs microscopic work for the majority of the workday. The workstation is designed to prevent musculoskeletal disorders and fatigue.

Ergonomic Strategies: Your Ergonomic Assessment

Lighting
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Use ambient or natural light when it is available. Task lighting should be no more than three time brighter than ambient light. Indirect lighting is the best method for increasing illumination while controlling glare. Position work surfaces or lighting to avoid glare by reflecting the light away from the eyes.

Ergonomic Strategies: Your Ergonomic Assessment

Posture and Exercises

Being aware of your posture is important for prevention of MSDs. These are postures that should be avoided:
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Prolonged or repetitive bending at the waist Prolonged standing or sitting without shifting position Keeping an arm outstretched for a prolonged period of time Holding or turning your head consistently to one side Remaining in an awkward position for a prolonged period of time

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends several exercises that are beneficial for the prevention of MSDs. These recommendations are included as a resource. A partial representation of the exercises are demonstrated below: Cable Stretch
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While seated with chin in, stomach in, shoulders relaxed, hands relaxed in lap, and feet flat on the floor, imagine a cable pulling the head upward Hold for 3 seconds and relax Repeat 3 times

Sidebend: Neck Stretch

Tilt head to one side (ear towards shoulder)

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Hold for 15 seconds Relax Repeat 3 times on each side

Diagonal Neck Stretch

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Turn head slightly and then look down as if looking in your pocket Hold for 15 seconds Relax Repeat 3 times on each side

Shoulder Shrug

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Slowly bring shoulders up to the ears and hold for approximately 3 seconds Rotate shoulders back and down Repeat 10 times

Executive Stretch

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While sitting, lock hands behind head Bring elbows back as far as possible Inhale deeply while leaning back and stretching Hold for 20 seconds Exhale and relax Repeat

Foot Rotation

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While sitting, slowly rotate each foot from the ankle Rotate 3 times in one direction, then 3 times in the opposite direction Relax Repeat CDC suggested exercises.pdf [click to view / print]
Adobe Acrobat PDF file

Ergonomic Strategies: Your Ergonomic Assessment

Ungraded Practice Question

What is the recommended reach radius for items that are used routinely at your work station? Please select the single best answer j 10 - 15 inches k l m n j 25 - 30 inches k l m n j 35 - 40 inches k l m n

Ergonomic Strategies: Your Ergonomic Assessment

Ungraded Practice Question

What is the recommended reach radius for items that are used routinely at your work station? Please select the single best answer j 10 - 15 inches k l m n j 25 - 30 inches k l m n j 35 - 40 inches k l m n

Feedback Avoid reaching more than 10 - 15 inches in front of the body for frequently used materials.

Scenarios

Scenario #1
Pam is seated at the workbench where she routinely prepares dilutions using an automated pipette. She leans to the right and stretches over her rack of tubes each

time she needs to change a pipette tip. Pam is working in an awkward body position because the pipettes are not in a convenient location and the space is not well organized. By changing the location of the pipettes to within her routine work area, she can avoid overstretching to reach the pipettes and avoid contorting her body into an awkward position that could eventually result in an MSD. As shown in the image, regularly used items should be close to the worker to avoid leaning forward and overextending reach radius. Adjust your work space so that you can reach tools and equipment without unusual bending or twisting; arrange the work area properly within the "work zone". Avoid reaching more than 10 inches (25 cm) in front of the body for frequently used materials or 20 inches (50 cm) for items that are used occasionally.

Scenarios

Scenario #2
Joe has worked in the Blood Bank for 10 years. He will retire next week and Sara will fill his position. One of the tasks that Joe routinely performed was replacing the 10 liter saline cube located on the technical workbench. However, Sara realizes that she cannot safely lift the 10 liter cube and place it on the benchtop. An employee's stature and lifting capabilities are important variables in a physical task. Since the employee cannot physically change, other solutions must be considered. This situation is easily resolved by changing the size of the container in use. Ergonomic solution The Blood Bank will begin using 5 liter saline cubes that can be easily lifted by all members of the staff. The Blood Bank will also acquire a cart or hand truck for other heavy items. This scenario demonstrates that a change in staff may require ergonomic action to prevent injury.

Scenarios Scenario #3 Jim spends most of his workday sitting on a stool at the technical workbench. The image on this page illustrates how he routinely sits. Lately, he has been experiencing lower back and leg discomfort that continues to bother him when he leaves work. He has been having trouble sleeping because of the pain in his legs. Eventually, the pain progresses to the point where he cannot work an entire day. What may have caused the problem and what could have been done to prevent the MSD from developing? Consider what could be the problem based on your observation of Jim's normal sitting position. Then click on the blue text below to see the ergonomic evaluation and possible solutions. What may have caused the problem? Solution #1 Solution #2 Solution #3

Scenarios Scenario #3 Jim spends most of his workday sitting on a stool at the technical workbench. The image on this page illustrates how he routinely sits. Lately, he has been experiencing lower back and leg discomfort that continues to bother him when he leaves work. He has been having trouble sleeping because of the pain in his legs. Eventually, the pain progresses to the point where he cannot work an entire day. What may have caused the problem and what could have been done to prevent the MSD from developing? Consider what could be the problem based on your observation of Jim's normal sitting position. Then click on the blue text below to see the ergonomic evaluation and possible solutions.

What may have caused the problem? Solution #1 Solution #2 Solution #3

Feedback

Scenarios

Ungraded Practice Question

Which of the following could be an ergonomic hazard? Please select the single best answer j Leaning to reach items that are frequently used. k l m n j Sitting at a microscope for long periods of time. k l m n j Repetitive use of droppers or pipettes. k l m n j All of the above k l m n

Scenarios

Ungraded Practice Question

Which of the following could be an ergonomic hazard? Please select the single best answer j Leaning to reach items that are frequently used. k l m n j Sitting at a microscope for long periods of time. k l m n j Repetitive use of droppers or pipettes. k l m n j All of the above k l m n

Feedback Lab Specific Risk Areas

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Repetitive use of droppers or pipettes

Handling small tubes or plates

Extended reaching for equipment

Microscopic work

Long periods of time in a static position

The Ergonomics Program

Creating an Ergonomically Safe Work Environment

Both the employer and the employee should share the responsibility for assessing and improving ergonomics in the laboratory. A three-step ergonomic program includes:
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Finding the hazard Determining what improvements / changes should be made Taking action to improve the workplace

Employers should:
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Provide ergonomics education Provide ergonomically designed tools and equipment Allow frequent stretch breaks If possible, adjust work schedules to prevent employees from performing repetitious tasks for prolonged periods of time.

As an employee, you should evaluate the ergonomic practices in your work area. Employees should:
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Understand the risk of injury Apply ergonomic principles to the performance of tasks Look for ergonomic hazards and improve the workplace whenever possible Recognize and report early signs of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)

The Ergonomics Program

The Four E's

Education
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Learn proper techniques for lifting, stretching and limiting repetitive motion Learn how to use ergonomic aids properly and be compliant

Exercise
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Participate in exercise programs

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Perform gentle stretching exercises prior to your shift Keep physically fit

Engineering
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Redesign your work area by arranging items properly within the work zone. Examine and improve lighting and noise levels whenever possible

Equipment
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Watch for ergonomic alternatives and make management aware of available options. Wrist support, mouse, keyboards and keyboard drawers, cart, lamps (less expensive equipment) Furniture, chairs, workbenches, desks (more expensive equipment)

References

References
Cornell University. CUErgo. Available at: http://ergo.human.cornell.edu/ Accessed December 6, 2013. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Ergonomics and musculoskeletal disorders. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/ergonomics/ Accessed December 6, 2013. UCLA Ergonomics. Musculoskeletal disorders: Anatomy of an injury. Available at: http://ergonomics.ucla.edu/MSD_Anatomy.html. Accessed December 6, 2013. US Department of Labor. Healthcare wide hazards module: Ergonomics. Available at: http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/hospital/hazards/ergo/ergo.html Accessed December 6, 2013.