mcl pathology ergonomics in the lab. what is ergonomics? zthe word ergonomics is derived from the...
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What is Ergonomics?
The word ergonomics is derived from the Greek words “ergon” which means work and “nomos” which means laws.
It’s focus today is designing jobs that meet the capabilities of the worker.
It encompasses both the physical stresses and environmental factors which effects the overall comfort and health of the employee.
Definition of Ergonomics
an applied science concerned with designing and arranging the things people use so that the people and things interact most efficiently and safely - called also human engineering
- er·go·nom·ic - adjective - er·go·nom·i·cal·ly - adverb - er·gon·o·mist - noun
From Merriam-Webster's® Collegiate Dictionary online
Ergonomically FriendlyEach job task should be analyzed to determine if it
is ergonomically safe and will not cause a work-related illness or disability.
Most of the ergonomic injuries are caused by poorly-designed workstations or job tasks.
Repetitive job tasks should be evaluated and action taken to avoid cumulative trauma disorders (CTD).
Cumulative Trauma Disorders
Are injuries which accrue gradually over time that are caused by continuous exposure to some kind of harmful agent.
They are injuries which do not occur if the action is only performed once.
They can also be prevented if proper biomechanics are devised and utilized.
Common Cumulative Trauma Disorders
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome enlargement of tendons or ligaments in the
wrist causing impingement of the nerveTenosynovites
inflammation of the tendon synovial sheath Tendonitis
inflammation of a tendon
Causes of CTDs in the lab
Repetitive movements pipetting vibrations caused by centrifuges typing excess use of the mouse awkward posture
using microscopedrawing blood
Pipetting Tips
Adjust height of chair to avoid reaching and neck strain
Sit close to workbench, supported against backrest Choose a light-weight pipetter and use minimum
pressure with a relaxed grip Place pipette tips and waste receptacles within a
comfortable reach Avoid twisting and rotating wrist while pipetting Schedule short breaks while pipetting and use
anti-fatigue mats if standing
For avoiding cumulative trauma disorders
Microscope Tips
Allow for ample leg space under microscope
Avoid neck strain by adjusting chair & microscope for proper head height
Sit close to microscope using a chair with back support
Take short breaks and spread microscopic work out throughout day
For avoiding cumulative trauma disorders
Avoid leaning on benches while the centrifuge is spinning
Keep centrifuges from touching workbenches whenever possible
Avoid the continuous use of a vortex mixer
Never open a centrifuge until it is completely stopped
Using Vibrating EquipmentTo avoid cumulative trauma disorders
Avoid awkward positions e.g. mouse too far away
don’t overextend arm
Position hand directly on mouse avoid hunching upward
Alternate key strokes avoid repetitive actions
Take frequent breaks
Tips on using the computer mouseFor avoiding cumulative trauma disorders
Tips for drawing blood
Avoid hunching over to collect bloodProperly positioning the patient arm to
allow comfortable access Avoid uncomfortable awkward positionsAvoid standing in one position for long
periods Take stretching breaks
For avoiding cumulative trauma disorders
Adjust chair & monitor heights
Make sure monitor is at eye level center monitor in front of you
Work 23 to 29 inches from the monitor distance depends on individual focal length
Keep monitor away from bright lightsTake frequent eye breaks
For avoiding cumulative trauma disorders
Take Stretching Breaks
Relieves muscle tightnessReduces risk of muscle painRelaxes tensionReduces stressVisit this web-site for more information
http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/LEISURE/LM/parks/cr1/activities/heathy/big5/off_exec.html
For avoiding cumulative trauma disorders
Referenceswww.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/ disorders/carpal_doc.htm.
Accessed September 29,2003
Gile, TJ Ergonomics in the Laboratory. LabMed May 2001 pp263-267
Alaimo RJ Handbook of Chemical Health and Safety. Oxford University Press, Oxford. 2001 pp 513-528
What is “Ergonomics”?. Available at : http://www.sfwa.org/ergonomics/whatis.htm. Accessed 6/11/03.
UCSB Ergonomic Training Manual Available at: http:// www.ehs.ucsb.edu/units/iipp/iipprsc/ergoguidelines.pdf
http://ergonomics.ucla.edu/lab.html. Accessed September 29,2003www.osha.gov. Accessed September 29,2003http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/LEISURE/LM/parks/cr1/activities/heathy/big5/
off_exec.html