Microscope ergonomics

Microscope work involves sustained static postures of the head, neck and body. Adjust your workstation to minimize awkward postures and improve comfort.

 

MSI risks

Image
Microscope bending
Poor Ergonomics: Bending & Leaning

 

 

 

 

 

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

Improved ergonomics

Image
Microscope improved
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

Image
Microscope reaching
Poor Ergonomics. Reaching

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Image
Microscope reaching improved
Improved Ergonomics. Neutral neck with arms by side

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

Microscope and tablet provided courtesy of VWR International.

UBC Crest The official logo of the University of British Columbia. Urgent Message An exclamation mark in a speech bubble. Caret An arrowhead indicating direction. Arrow An arrow indicating direction. Arrow in Circle An arrow indicating direction. Arrow in Circle An arrow indicating direction. Time A clock. Chats Two speech clouds. E-commerce Cart A shopping cart. Facebook The logo for the Facebook social media service. Home A house in silhouette. Information The letter 'i' in a circle. Instagram The logo for the Instagram social media service. Linkedin The logo for the LinkedIn social media service. Location Pin A map location pin. Locked A locked padlock. Mail An envelope. Menu Three horizontal lines indicating a menu. Minus A minus sign. Pencil A pencil indicating that this is editable. Telephone An antique telephone. Play A media play button. Plus A plus symbol indicating more or the ability to add. Search A magnifying glass. Settings A single gear. Speech Bubble A speech bubble. Star An outline of a star. Twitter The logo for the Twitter social media service. Unlocked An unlocked padlock. User A silhouette of a person. Vimeo The logo for the Vimeo video sharing service. Youtube The logo for the YouTube video sharing service.