How to Help Yourself with Lab Ergonomics

PHOTOGRAPHY: pressmaster/ENVATO

An active lifestyle can promote a healthy body, mind and spirit and be an important part of your overall health and wellbeing. Achieving this can be difficult with full- or part-time roles, shift-working and in the demanding setting of a health care organization. The very nature of lab work is both mentally and physically challenging. Additionally, it often involves activities that increase the risk of musculoskeletal injuries, such as:

  • awkward movements or postures,
  • repetitive movements, and
  • application of force.

Ergonomics is defined as an applied science concerned with designing and arranging things people use so that the people and things interact most efficiently and safely1. Taking a fresh approach to the activities that you perform in the lab may present an opportunity to improve ergonomics for you and your colleagues as medical laboratory professionals. Consider approaching your health and safety representative or manager about improving or renewing focus on lab ergonomics as part of the Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS)2. There are many resources, including those that cover manual handling, standing work, shiftwork, and exercises to implement3.

Ergonomic improvements with little or no cost

There are several administrative controls that can be implemented in the lab. Working on this challenge can be a rewarding and interesting project that is manageable for you and your organization. Consider finding a colleague who is willing to work with you on brainstorming ideas for the lab on a whiteboard (virtual or real) and expand on them as they arise. Develop a business case to itemize the needs, wants and costs so that a decision can be made by management. Consider these:

  • promote performance of ergonomic exercises (posters, individual/group exercises)
  • perform microbreaks during repetitive tasks
  • vary tasks that are repetitive between staff
  • use carts for heavy loads
  • relocate heavy materials to lower shelves
“There is a range of activities performed in the lab that cause increased risk for ergonomic injuries. While some can be engineered out, others are more difficult to remove. Engineering controls for ergonomic hazards involve early and collaborative efforts about lab design, workflow, furniture and equipment.”
Black male laboratory professional wearing green examination gloves and a lab coat looking into a microscope

PHOTOGRAPHY: istock

Ergonomic considerations during a new construction or renovation project

There is a range of activities performed in the lab that cause increased risk for ergonomic injuries. While some can be engineered out, others are more difficult to remove. Engineering controls for ergonomic hazards involve early and collaborative efforts about lab design, workflow, furniture and equipment. These are better considered during a lab construction or renovation project and are more difficult to “fix” once the lab is built and operational. Items with the most impact include:

  • spaces designed to avoid awkward bending, reaching or stretching
  • adjustable benches and work surfaces
  • adjustable chairs (seat height, angle, depth, armrests, backrests, foot ring)
  • automation equipment to remove repetitive movements
  • ergonomic setup for computers and monitors (lab and office areas)

Replacement or renewal of a portion of lab equipment also provides a cost-sensitive opportunity to reassess the following:

  • step stools
  • footrests
  • standing stools
  • anti-fatigue, cleanable floor mats
  • automatic pump-type pipettors
  • reduced noise levels

Improving ergonomics can be done in meaningful ways in the lab environment. It will take some effort to improve the situation, and the benefit is that this will help you and your colleagues. Some improvements are relatively cost-effective and can begin with personal exercise habits while promoting a healthy, positive and supportive working environment. Look to take one small step as soon as you can and share the idea with a colleague to see if more can flourish. There is probably an upside to trying — and nothing to lose!

Eoin O’Grady

PhD, CRSP

Occupational Health and Safety Consultant to CSMLS

Eoin O’Grady PhD, CRSP Occupational Health and Safety Consultant to CSMLS, from the neck up, smiling.
References
Eoin O’Grady PhD, CRSP Occupational Health and Safety Consultant to CSMLS, from the neck up, smiling.

Eoin O’Grady

PhD, CRSP

Occupational Health and Safety Consultant to CSMLS