Lab ergonomics

MSI risks

Poor Ergonomics: the awkward shoulder posture and extended reaching when using a standard pipette filler and long seriological pipettes are amplified due to the glass barrier and need to reach over the air vent.

Improved ergonomics

• Adjust the height of the biosafety cabinet
• Adjust chair height and height of footring/footrest
• Organize work to keep frequently used items as close as possible
• Place a low provide garbage bin within as close of a reach as possible
• Use ergonomic pipette filler and shorty seriological pipettes

Improved ergonomics

• Obtain elbow rest if needed
• When purchasing a biosafety cabinet an NSF certified with as large of an opening as safely possible, e.g. 12″ to 14″ and a sloped window is preferable

MSI risks

• Extended reaching to wipe the back of the cabinet
• Places increased strain on the shoulders, neck and back

Improved ergonomics

Use a telescopic pole with flat head and paper towel to reach the back of the cabinet. This will reduce the strain on the shoulders, neck and back.

MSI risks

• Forward bending-strains back musculature
• Leaning on arms-strains upper shoulders/neck
• Forearm contact pressure on table top

Improved ergonomics

• Work in an area with proper leg clearance
• Position microscope near the edge of the table
• Use a height adjustable chair; preferred if table is also height adjustable
• Eye piece should be at eye level
• Backrest should support low back
• Feet should be supported on ground, footring or footrest
• Use a forearm pad to reduce contact pressure on the forearms (demo available through UBC’s Ergonomics Program)
• If standing, raise microscope so that the eye piece is at eye level and use an anti-fatigue mat
• Take frequent micro-breaks to adjust posture
• Posture in photo could be futher improved with an extendable and adjustable eye piece

MSI risks

Shoulder fatigue will develop if staff are required to point and reach to the tablet screen. Ideally, a separate trackpad should be provided or at minimum provide an armrest for support

Improved ergonomics

If purchasing a new microscope, look for options that allow a tablet attachment with a separate track pad. A separate trackpad is recommended if staff will be pointing, selecting or highlighting items on the tablet.

MSI risks

Shoulder abduction strains the shoulder and neck musculature.

Improved ergonomics

• Use an ergonomic long handle pipette filler and a shorty seriological pipette-this will allow you to keep your arms close to your side as you work
• Take micro-breaks
• Rotate tasks

Electronic pipettes

• Recommended if pipetting >2hrs/day
• Benefits include reduced force and repetition

When purchasing an electronic pipette look for ones that have an adjustable finger support, allow multi-finger involvement (e.g. index finger trigger), electronic tip ejection and auto-dispense.

Low aspiration and dispensing force

When purchasing manual pipettes look for ones with low trigger force to reduce the risk of injury.

Frequent repetition with a manual pipette, particularly one that requires high trigger force, can strain the thumb musculature and result in an increased risk of injury.

Low tip insertion force

Ineffective tip insertion can result in tips falling off or staff using excessive force to secure the tips. Purchasing pipettes that require only light force and provide feedback of successful tip insertion reduce the risk of injury and improve efficiency.

Benefits:

• Reduced hand/arm force to secure tips
• Reduced hand/arm force when ejecting tips
• Reduced risk of tips falling off and inadvertent sample loss

Adjustable spacing multi-channel pipettes

Multi-channel pipettes tend to be heavier and have higher tip insertion/tip ejection forces; however, they can significantly reduce the number of repetitions.

When purchasing a multi-channel pipette look for low tip insertion force and electronic options.

Multi-channel pipettes with adjustable spacing allow staff to move liquid between wells of different sizes and thus significantly reduce the number of repetitions required which will reduce the risk of injury and improve efficiency.

Alternative arm position

Some pipettes have been specifically designed to promote a more neutral arm and wrist posture. This design may also improve accuracy.

MSI risks

• Insufficient leg space results in twisting and extended reaching
• Poor posture is a risk factor for musculoskeletal injury and also increases the risks of spill and errors

Improved ergonomics

• Sufficient leg space to pull into work bench
• Seat raised (bench height just below elbow height)
• Adjust foot ring: feet supported with knees at 90 degrees
• Use backrest and adjust height as needed
• Adjust height of work bench if possible

Improved ergonomics

• Supporting the arm improves stability (i.e. less risk of spilling)
• Use elbow pad (reduce pressure point at elbow)
• Arrange workspace: frequently used items within elbow’s reach
• Use low profile garbage bin for tips

Alternative option: saddle stool

If achieving optimal ergonomics is not possible then consider using a saddle stool to minimize the negative effects of twisting and leaning forward (note: this is not ideal but is better than sitting and twisting as pictured in the top image)

MSI risks

• Workbench positioned too low: results in bending
• Legs, feet and back can become tired with static and sustained standing

Improved ergonomics

• Use anti-fatigue mat for sustained standing
• Ergonomics could be further improved by raising the workbench
• Take micro-breaks: move and stretch