Laboratory ergonomics

 

As a laboratory researcher, you are at risk for repetitive motion injuries during routine lab procedures such as pipetting and working at microscopes. Standing and working in awkward positions can also lead to ergonomic problems. You can prevent injuries in the lab by following some simple ergonomic recommendations.

Pipetting

• Use light touch pipettes that require little force to activate and that fit comfortably in your hand
• Use electronic pipettes with mixing devices if possible
• Use multichannel pipettes for longer duration tasks
• Use thin-wall pipettes tips that fit correctly and are easy to eject
• Use minimal force when applying pipette tips
• Clean pipettes regularly to prevent sticking and improve the quality of work
• Rotate pipetting tasks with other laboratory tasks if possible
• Take microbreaks every 20-30 minutes to stretch your hand and arm muscles
• Keep samples and instruments within easy reach
• Adjust the workstation so your arms are not elevated and are close to the body
• Use an adjustable lab stool when sitting at a lab bench
• Use anti-fatigue mats when standing for prolonged periods of time

Using the microscope

• Position the microscope toward the edge of the workbench so you can sit in a more upright posture.
• Use adjustable or angled microscope stands and view pieces to avoid forward leaning
• Elevate the microscope: this can also help you to sit up more and reduce bending of your shoulders and neck
• Maintain a neutral spine
• Use a chair that provides adequate back support, adjustable height and seat angle
• Use armrests to support your forearms while using adjustment knobs on the microscope
• Tilting your seat forward may reduce need to extend head and neck while using a microscope
• Use foot rests to ensure your feet are supported
• Ensure adequate foot room under desk/workstation
• Take a microbreak every 20-30 minutes to stretch your back and neck
• Use microbreaks to rest your eyes and focus on far objects to stretch your eyes
• Alternate using a microscope with other lab tasks when possible
• Use television or computer screens when possible to avoid use of eyepieces

Working on lab benches, in biosafety cabinets and gloveboxes

• Use anti-fatigue floor mats if you stand for long periods
• Use a chair that provides adequate back support, adjustable seat angle and height
  
• Adjust your chair height so your bellybutton is level with the height of the work surface
• Ensure adequate room under your work area to stretch your legs
• Avoid resting your forearms on hard edges, pad the edges or wear elbow pads
• Position your work supplies as close as possible
• Place equipment on approved turntables for easy retrieval
• Alternate working at the bench or cabinet with other duties
• Take microbreaks every 20-30 minutes to stretch your muscles and relieve forearm and wrist pressure

Micromanipulation and Fine Motor Skills:

• Use plastic vials with fewer threads
• Use small pieces of foam similar to the type used on pencils and pens, to prevent soreness on the fingertips, where fingers and forceps articulate
• Practice using the forceps between the 1st and 2nd digits instead of using the thumb and 1st digit.
• Alternate between the two positions to reduce the use of the thumb. The thumb is used repetitively with almost every job task performed in the laboratory
• Tilt storage bins toward the worker to reduce wrist flexion while reaching for supplies.
• Encourage micro-breaks and hand exercises.
  

 

For more information, please contact Cathy Boraston at cathyb@uvic.ca or
250-472-5462.