When most people hear the word “ergonomics,” they immediately think of an office setting. However, ergonomics has many other applications and it applies to any worker, performing any task, in any work environment. The goal is to optimize the individual’s health and well-being, while improving overall system performance.

Research labs commonly focus on experimental efficiency, often times sacrificing proper ergonomic practices. Therefore, many tasks performed in laboratories can put workers at risk of aches, strains,and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). It is important for lab workers to understand ergonomic risk factors and how to control them in order to prevent injuries.

Common Laboratory Ergonomic Risk Factors

• Static postures
• Repetitive motions
• Awkward postures
• Heavy, frequent, or overhead lifting

Tips to Reduce Risk of MSDs:

Be aware of your posture

• Maintain a neutral posture, where the ears, shoulders, and hips are in the same plane.
• Support your lumbar spine by sitting against the back of your chair with your feet supported by the floor or foot rest.
• Adjust the position of your work so that you are sitting in an upright position with your arms supported.
• Avoid the need to reach by keeping frequently used supplies within close reach.
• If standing for long periods, wear supportive shoes and use anti-fatigue floor mats to reduce back and leg strain.

Keep arms and hands relaxed

• Maintain your wrists in a neutral position,
  as if shaking hands with someone.
• Select equipment, such as pipettes or forceps, that is the right size for your hand.
• Use light hand pressure.
• Wear gloves that fit properly. Ill-fitting gloves can increase pinch and grip forces.
• Avoid overreaching to use equipment or instruments.

Avoid static postures

• Keep moving!
• Take frequent mini-breaks such as stretching or going for a quick walk.
• Vary activities; change your position at least every 20 minutes.
• If you are working at a computer screen, look away and focus on something in the distance every 5 minutes.
• Alternate how you hold small objects, like forceps or pipettes.

Pipetting

• Use electronic pipettes whenever possible.
• Do not twist or rotate your hand.
• Hold the pipette with a relaxed grip.
• Take a 1-2 minute break every 15 minutes.

Microscopy

• Pad hard edges where forearms rest on the desk or table.
• Keep elbows close by your sides.
• Elevate the microscope to avoid bending your neck.
• Every 15 minutes, close your eyes or focus on something in the distance.

Working in a chemical fume hood (CFH) or biosafety cabinet (BSC)

• Apply foam padding (must be sanitizable) to the front edge of the CFH/BSC.
• Ensure lights are working properly.
• Use an adjustable chair to make sure you are working at a height that prevents overreaching.
• Position materials as close to the front of the CFH/BSC as possible to prevent overreaching.
• Avoid clutter. Do not store items in the CFH/BSC.

Reporting an Injury

If you are experiencing discomfort or have sustained an injury that you feel is related to work activities in your laboratory, submit an incident report via PeopleSoft.
If you would like more information or would like to request an ergonomic assessment, please contact EHSO at indhyg@emory.edu.