Laboratory Ergonomics

By: Gilson Inc.

From Special Reports, Published: 2/23/2009

Concern about musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) has escalated during the last two decades as
work cadences, techniques and time pressures have intensified in the life sciences arena.1,2
Extensive pipetting practices, once on the periphery of ergonomics discussions, now form the
core of a hot debate because they are considered a major risk factor that could lead to strainrelated injuries, especially in biology research laboratories.2-5
Based on an independent evaluation of the activities performed in a typical cellular biology
laboratory and conducted by ergonomics consultants, this article reaches beyond the present-day
controversy about pipettes and their relationship to the appearance of MSDs and attempts to reestablish the importance of this indispensable tool. Additionally, we propose general
recommendations to improve comfort while performing pipette-oriented tasks and reduce the
risk of developing MSDs in the laboratory.
Musculoskeletal disorders Repetitive strain injuries
MSDs are disorders of the osteoarticular and muscular systems involved in movement. Their
severity and the physiological regions affected may vary. MSDs result from an imbalance
between biomechanical demands and an individuals functional capacities. Their precise
developmental mechanism is not fully known, although some studies have identified contributing
factors. Inadequate circulation due to static contractions, highly repetitive work and selective
muscular activation over long periods of time are believed to be major factors in the
development of muscle, tendon, cartilage and bone lesions. Canadian ergonomists have
suggested the name repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) as a subcategory of MSDs attributable to
repetitive work.6 Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), the most widely recognized RSI, is identified
by swelling of the membrane linings and surrounding tendons in the base of the palm. Its
symptoms include pain or numbness in the wrist, thumb and first three fingers and loss of
strength or dexterity in the hand. Musculoskeletal disorders have multiple origins. Most
authorities agree that MSDs result from different factors acting simultaneously, and their severity
and individual impact are impossible to foresee. The three main categories of factors associated
with the appearance of MSDs are biomechanical, psychosocial and individual (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Contributing Factors to Musculoskeletal Disorders

Ergonomics study in a research laboratory

The ergonomics study sought to determine the relationship between the risk of MSDs and
activities involving the use of pipettes and other common tools within a research laboratory
specializing in cellular biology. The consultants noted distinct differences in the study
participants operating modes, primarily because of the high variability of tasks but also because
of their individual differences in aptitude, skills and morphology. Lab scientists perform multiple
taskspipetting, centrifugation, microscopy, calculations, etc.all of which are governed by
time, precision and safety constraints (Figure 2). The study results indicated that 57 to 88 percent
of a scientists time spent working in the lab involves the use of pipettes. Except for work breaks,
which range from 0 to 14 percent of the time worked, the remainder of the scientists day,
between 9 and 22 percent of the time, is devoted to operations such as centrifugation,
microscopy and calculations. The study also reported that intense repetitive movements, ranging
from 59 to 89 per minute, were maintained over prolonged periods. Cramped rooms, poorly
adapted laboratory furniture (sadly commonplace in laboratories), disorganized workstations and
stress resulting from the acoustical assault of droning apparatus all contribute to a greater
probability of the appearance of MSDs.

Figure 2. Distribution of Tasks of One Operator (Cell Cloning)

The use of pipettes requires dexterity that is often complicated by tasks that force the operator to
adopt awkward postures (Figure 3). For example, manual gel loading demands the technicians
full attention as each sample is transferred into a separate well. Maintaining a reasonable

distance can only be theoretical. As with working under the fume hood, one must maintain a
nonphysiological alignment of the shoulder, wrist and finger joints.
Accelerations of the heart rate were observed during these tasks, owing to the emotional strain
that probably originates with the responsibility for errors and their heavy consequences. Bench
work causes difficulties linked with worktable dimensions, which are adapted to neither the
sitting nor standing position. The table is either too high for pipetting gestures to be conducted
without exaggerated flexion of the shoulder, or too low for techniques that require a short eyetask distance. Other commonly used laboratory apparatuses such as safety screens and
microscopes force researchers to assume a boxers dodge stance, with arms outstretched in an
elevated position for the entire duration of a manipulation. A prolonged static position can
generate muscle fatigue in the neck region, leading to pain.

Figure 3. Awkward and Static Postures Lead to Muscle Fatigue

Ergonomics Recommendations
Pipette users acknowledge the transformative effect the RSI debate has imposed on pipette
manufacturers, which now develop product plans based on the principles of ergonomics. Pipettes
now require less force to operate, and motorized electronic versions drastically reduce hand pain
related to prolonged repetitive pipetting. Pipettes aside, there are universal recommendations for
improving ones comfort level in the laboratory7,8 (Table 1). The study revealed that the risk
associated with extended use of pipettes depends not only on the ergonomics of the pipettes,
other laboratory devices and furniture, but also on factors such as an individuals physical
characteristics, work rhythm, postural constraints and environmental conditions. Choosing the
appropriate tools and organizing a work space in a more ergonomic manner can enable one to
work smarter and greatly reduce strain-related injuries.

Table 1. General Ergonomics Recommendations

References
1. D. Colombini, A. Grieco, E. Occhipenti, Occupational musculoskeletal disorders of the upper
limbs due to mechanical overload, Ergonomics, 41(9), 1998.
2. K. Kroemer, Avoiding cumulative trauma disorders in shops and offices, Am Indust Hygiene
Assoc J, 53(9):599600, 1992.
3. M.G. Bjorksten, B. Almby, E.S. Jansson, Hand and shoulder ailments among laboratory
technicians using modern plunger-operated pipettes, Appl Ergon, 25(2):8894, 1994.
4. G. David, P. Buckle, A questionnaire survey of the ergonomic problems associated with
pipettes and their usage with specific reference to work-related upper limb disorders, Appl
Ergon, 28(4):25762, 1997.
5. K.R. Asundi, J.M. Bach, D.M. Rempel, Thumb force and muscle loads are influenced by the
design of a mechanical pipette and by pipetting tasks, Hum Factors, 47(1):6776, 2005.
6. Presentation, Annual Conference of the Association of Canadian Ergonomists 2003.
7. European and ISO standards (Table 1).
8. International Encyclopedia of Ergonomics and Human Factors, 2001, Taylor & Francis eds.
This article was first published by Gilson Inc. as an Application Note, which is downloadable
from its web site at www.gilson.com/Downloads/mlhAppNote1.pdf.
http://www.labmanager.com/articles.asp?ID=212

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Efficacy of Ergonomics
Historically, Ergonomics was another name for Human Factors. Today, Ergonomics commonly
refers to designing work environments for maximizing safety and efficiency. Biometrics and
Anthropometrics play a key role in this use of the word Ergonomics. Engineering Psychology
often has a specialty dealing with Workplace or Occupational Ergonomics.
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Internet Links
As a service to our professional community, we are pleased to bring you a great starting place for
locating information about Ergonomics. The following Internet Links are for topics in:

Ergonomics
Biometrics

Safety & Health

Office & Manufacturing Ergonomics

If you like this page, please link to us.

Page 1 of 2 Ergonomics

3M offers an educational program that teaches the fundamentals of office

ergonomics, including physical, environmental and emotional elements. It
suggests improvements that individuals can apply to customize their
workstations and tasks.
Aeron Chair Guide is your premiere online resource for information about the
Aeron Chair, Herman Miller, and ergonomics. We'll help you find the office
chair of your dreams!

ASSE is the Greater San Jose Chapter of the American Society of Safety
Engineers. They have several links to government agencies, OSHA, and
various organizations.

Agricultural Ergonomics Research Center (AERC) at The University of

California, Davis has the mission to understand and apply ergonomic
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practices that prevent musculoskeletal disorders in agricultural work.

Alexander Technique International is the worldwide professional organization

for the F.M. Alexander Technique for avoiding Repetitive Stress Injuries by
Holly Sweeney.

Annual Review of Medicine by Philip E. Higgs, M.D. and Susan E. Mackinnon,

M.D., Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington
University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri is a complete medical
source for Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI).

Amara's RSI Page is Amara Graps' articles on Ergonomic Computing (or Don't
Let Your Computer Cripple You!). Lots of information on Repetitive Stress
Syndrome.

The American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH) is a not-for-profit

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The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA is the official site containing all of
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"Avoiding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A guide for computer keyboard users" is

an article by Mark Sheehan. Carpal tunnel syndrome is common among
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Barbre Ergonomics Consulting and training for industrial and office

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Biomechanics Ergonomics Resource Team Biomechanics and Ergonomics

Laboratory Dr. Amit Bhattacharya, Director Department of Environmental
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Center for Ergonomics University of Michigan - research programs of the

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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a commercial site but does have lots of references
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The Center for Industrial Ergonomics is an integral unit of the Department of

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"Computer Ergonomics" by Dr. Charles Daniels contains a lot of information

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Computer Related Repetitive Strain Injury was written by Keith L. Moore and
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Cornell University Human Factors and Ergonomics focuses on research on

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Corporate Vision Consulting has a wealth of information about vision

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Cates & Jensen's Research Link Page is a great set of links to medical
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CUErgo from Cornell University discusses "how to choose an ergonomic

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Dan MacLeod's Ergonomics Web Site has several articles on workplace

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Delft University RSI page has some good information. Hit the English button.

Diversified Management Group contains office ergonomics information aimed

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Some good concise information.

Eliminating Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorder from CCOHS.

Environmental Health & Safety Resources has links to Internet sites on

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Almost all of the regulatory agencies and organizations are linked here.

Environmental Health and Safety at University of Virginia focuses on all

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disorder, workstation ergonomics, safe work habits, and general office
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Environmental Health, Safety & Risk Management includes links to Internet

sites on environmental-occupational health, safety, and risk management
topics from The University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee.

ErgoAnytime has Free Ergonomics Tutorials & Info with ergonomics links to
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ErgoBlog is a blog designed to provide a resource for people interested in

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ergonomic computer peripherals such as alternative keyboards and mice.

Ergonautas is a spanish website focused on ergonomic evaluations methods

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Ergonomics.org applies the Alexander Technique as a practical solution to

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Ergonomic Chairs Online seating retailer featuring ergonomic leather, task,

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Ergonomics & Computer Injury: FAQs by Dr. Jonathan Bailin has been
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Ergonomics Australia On-Line is the University of Queensland ergonomics site

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Ergonomics in Australia contains a lot of free information about ergonomics

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EGO's Ergonomics Manual is a complete manual on Repetitive Stress Injury

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ErgoSolutions magazine is a hands-on resource for ergonomics team

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Ergoweb has good resources and information on occupational ergonomics.

ErgoWorld has planets specifically focused on Office Ergonomics and Injury

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Essential Ergonomics is a PCWorld article on practical steps for safe

ergonomic computing. A very helpful article for an individual wanting to
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The European Trade Union Technical Bureau for Health and Safety was
established in 1989 by the European Trade Union Confederation in order to
monitor the drafting, transposition and application of this legislation. Lots of
links to Musculoskeletal disorders in Europe.

Eye2Eye focuses on eye strain with the intent to increase productivity of the
computer operator by increasing visual comfort and efficiency at the
workstation. They have lots of links, discussions, and products for eye strain.

General Ergonomic Risk Analysis is a checklist from ErgoWeb but is worth

checking out if you are interested in safety issues and Risk Analysis. The
checklist is great.

Harvard RSI Action Home Page has student groups: Harvard RSI Action is a
GSAS student group open to all Harvard students (graduate, undergraduate,
professional schools). Harvard-Radcliffe RSI Action is an undergraduate
organization also open to all Harvard students.

Harvard School of Public Health Training Program: Ergonomics and Human

Factors: Strategic Solutions for Workplace Safety and Health September 1316, 2010, Boston, MA

HealthyComputing.com - Positioning or using your computer improperly can

lead to various injuries, from the short-term discomfort of headaches to
potentially debilitating conditions like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
HealthyComputing.com's assembled the world's foremost experts to provide
unbiased information on computer-related health and safety. Lots of links and
information.

The Human Solution offers a unique online store supported by a qualified

sales team and led by a Certified Professional Ergonomist ready to help
answer your questions or put together a custom configuration for your
specific needs.

Humanics ErgoSystems has a great set of links to ergonomic, human factors,

user interface design, etc.

IBM Healthy Computing is devoted to helping you use your personal

computer comfortably, providing extensive ergonomic and environmental
information at one location.

IEA The International Ergonomics Association is the federation of ergonomics

and human factors societies from around the world. The mission of IEA is to
elaborate and advance ergonomics science and practice, and to improve the
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society.

IRSST (Occupational Health and Safety Research Institute) offers a wide range
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Illuminating Engineering Society of North America is a professional society

devoted to illumination. They have papers and conferences focused on
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IOSH is Europe's leading body for health and safety professionals, represents
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safety issues.

The Insiders' Guide to the Alexander Technique has a good introduction to

Alexander Technique with links and publications.

International Organization for Standards (ISO) contains all of the ISO TC159
standards for ergonomics.

Job Stress Network is the home page of the Center For Social Epidemiology.
They have lots of information about and related to Job Strain (specifically)
and Work Stress (in general).

Kinesiology Research Starting Points is a Comprehensive Sites of Interest to

Kinesiology from the University of Waterloo.

Korrnet has extensive links to health and safety from the U.S. Government.

LabTech Seating Lab Chairs Handcrafted, ergonomic laboratory and industrial

chairs and stools. Choose from vinyl, fabric, polyurethane or hardwood.
Customize your chair online!

LAW RESEARCH a complete list of International and United States Law related
to disabilities. Includes a searchable database.

Lawrence Livermore Lab and National Society for Biotechnology Information

has information on biomedical technology and human factors engineering.
Mostly in-house work but an interesting site.

Lighting Research Center is part of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and is the

leading university-based research center devoted to lighting. Lots of links to
lighting research and issues.

The Los Angeles RSI Support Group is a another group of individuals who
come together once a month to talk about issues relating to Repetitive Strain
Injuries (RSIs) such as tendonitis, thoracic outlet, and carpal tunnel. Lots of
personal help.

Mayo Clinic focuses on eyestrain and your computer screen: tips for getting
relief. Lots of practical tips and tricks.

Musicians and Injuries discusses the various injuries associated with musical
instruments.

Office Ergonomics Learn about office ergonomics, workstation ergonomics,

computer ergonomics, laptop ergonomics and ergonomic seating. Healthy
computing tips about carpal tunnel syndrome, repetitive strain injury & other
muscle pains while using your computer for longer periods of time.

The Carpal Solution a proactive stretching Carpal Tunnel therapy that works
well with ergonomic solutions to prevent Carpal Tunnel. It is one of the most
comprehensive sites on the web for non-invasive carpal tunnel therapy and
help with repetitive strain injuries and written under the guidance of a
physician who has worked with these disorders for many years.

NOAH a large list of link and answers to questions about Cumulative Stress
Disorders/Repetitive Strain Injuries.

National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH) is part of the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention. They have authoritative information on a wide variety of
safety and health topics. A wide range of articles and links.

National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH) has a good list of links to
ergonomics and human factors.

National Library Of Medicine contains guidelines for designing effective and healthy
learning environments for interactive technologies. It focuses on the biomechanics of
workstations and is an excellent reference.

NOLO is a law firm offering frequently asked questions about health and safety in the
workplace from a legal perspective.

North Carolina State University's Ergonomics Laboratory conducts scholarly research in

the areas of occupational biomechanics, occupational safety and cognitive ergonomics
while training students to become the research scientists and safety/ergonomics
practitioners of tomorrow.

NYU Health & Safety Committee educates workers, students, and other users of
computers about health and safety issues, such as human factors, ergonomics and
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prevention, treatment, injury management, education, political and legislative
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Occupational and Environmental Medicine is a Resource Index from Duke. Mostly

selected to take readers to the actual agency involved.

Occupational Overuse Syndrome has excellent references and information about OOS
from Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand.

OERC is The Office of Ergonomics Research Committee (OERC) was formed in April
1991 by a group of U.S. companies that were concerned by reports of an increasing
number of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (UEMSDs) among office workers.
Their focus is on Musculoskeletal Disorders in the U.S. Office Workforce.

Office Ergonomics Training by Chris Grant has lots of links to Office Ergonomic
Handouts. This is great ergonomics advice that has been widely used in training courses
aimed exclusively at office workers.

Office of Environmental Health & Safety has an article on "Avoiding a Painful Back!"
from the University of Virginia.

Office of Occupational Health, Safety and Education a great survival guide to computer
workstations from Ohio State.

Osh.Net has grown to become one of the leading web sites for occupational health and
safety professionals.

OSHA has a four-pronged comprehensive approach to ergonomics designed to quickly

and effectively address musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the workplace. Good
examples and solutions.

OSU Environmental Health and Safety from Oklahoma State University has a wide range
of articles and papers on office and workplace ergonomics. An excellent reference source.

Penn State Human Factors Lab is a 1000 sq. ft. area used for both teaching and research.
The lab contains both basic and advanced equipment for measuring human physical,
physiological, and cognitive capabilities, as well as workplace environments.

Public Health Resources on the Internet has reference links to several medical topics
including Typing Injury, RSI, and CTS.

RSI-UK is a mailing list dealing exclusively with Repetitive Strain Injury.

Reducing Eyestrain from Video and Computer Monitors by Charles A. Poynton discusses
how many of us work for hours each day in front of displays. It is very important to
establish viewing conditions that minimize stress to our eyes. This article presents a
number of steps that you can take to assure good monitor viewing conditions.

RSI-Relief.com is a resource for people to learn about Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI). It
provides educational articles and news covering such topics as RSI symptoms, testing,
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RSI symptoms, and information about how to set up your computer and work enviroment
to minimize RSI pain

Dangerous Work - Repetitive Strain Injury at MIT By Thomas R. Karlo.

Repetitive Strain Injuries - The Hidden Cost of Computing is an easy to read discussion
of RSI.

Safe Computing Tips Know the basic tips about Office Ergonomics, Workstation
Ergonomics, Ergonomic PC, Laptop Ergonomics, Ergonomic chair.

Safety Cartoons by Goff has a lot of safety related cartoons that you can access.

The Safety and Reliability Society SaRS is an internationally recognized society whose
purpose is to represent engineers and scientists working in Safety and Reliability.

Safety Related Internet Resources is a general search site by Carolla Christie and Chris
Moore. They have general links to various safety oriented servers, lists, and newsgroups.
You do the searching.

SafetySmart publishes quality occupation safety training and awareness products.

SafetyWorld provides safety awareness and training products including posters,

calendars, and publications.

The Seattle Repetitive Injury Support Team is a group of individuals who discuss
Repetitive Strain Injuries. Lots of personal help.

SizeChina.com the mission of Size China.com is to create the first-ever digital database
of Chinese head and face shapes.

Social Psychology Network contains links to a variety of Social Psychology topics

including Human Factors and Ergonomics.

Spine-health A patient education website. Provides the most comprehensive and

unbiased, professional information to help people with back pain. All articles are written
by medical professionals and have been peer reviewed by the site's medical advisors prior
to publication.

Smith College Ergonomics Program has good information on workspace setup and
preventative measures.

Special Needs Family Fun offers a wide variety of family fun and disability resources for
families with disabilities and special needs including: adoption, baby care, celebrations
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of resources on family fun, family health and family life resources.

Spine-Health.com has a goal to provide a comprehensive, highly informative and useful

resource for understanding, preventing, and seeking appropriate treatment for back and
neck pain and related conditions. The site has been developed by a multi-specialty group
of medical professionals.

Spineuniverse has a wealth of medical information about various spinal issues. Medical
advice and a spine forum are available.

Typing Injuries is everything you ever wanted to know about typing injuries by Dan
Wallach. Lots of publications and links. Everything you wanted to know and more.

Typing Injury FAQ is a FAQ to typing injuries with great links to carpal tunnel syndrome,
typing, and searches.

Typing Without Repetitive Strain e-book is a practical guide that helps you to eliminate
repetitive strain naturally through revolutionizing your typing technique.

UCI Health Promotion Center is a research and consulting unit operating within the
School of Social Ecology at the University of California, Irvine. Lots of information on
workplace wellness topics.

The UC Irvine Health Promotion Center is a research and consulting unit operating
within the School of Social Ecology at the University of California, Irvine. Their research
focuses on comprehensive, integrated approaches to health promotion, especially on
workplace-based health promotion.

UCSF/UCB Ergonomics Program is focused on the university program but they have
links to several biomechanics and safety oriented sites.

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has links to product recalls and
safety specs.

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission the NRC regulates U.S. commercial nuclear power
plants and the civilian use of nuclear materials.

University of Iowa is focused on rural and environmental health with emphasis on

agricultural health. They have a search engine, laboratory, education center, and
information resource center.

University of Minnesota - Department of Environmental Health and Safety focuses on

several areas of safety and has lots of links and training.

University of Nebraska Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI) is focused on ways and means of
coping with RSI injuries related to computer usage. Includes a database of reported
injuries. Not many links outside their page.

University of Virginia - Office of Environmental and Health and Safety is a VDT

Ergonomics Training and Resources. There are several links for defining and evaluating
ergonomic risks, creating ergonomically appropriate workstations and preventing workrelated musculoskeletal disorders (CTD's).

Hazards and Solutions U.S. Department Of Labor potential hazards associated with
computer workstations and give possible solutions to address those hazards.

Video Display Terminals (VDTS) is the home page for the University of Virginia VDTUVA and CTD sites. The focus is on displays with links to repetitive strain injury and
typing injury.

Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand - Health and Safety is focused on

occupational overuse syndrome.

Washington Safety Management Solutions (WSMS) is the Westinghouse Savanah River

Company's Nuclear Power Safety site. They are a provider of Safety Management
Services and Operational Support for DOE, DoD, and commercial clients.

The Widget Company has a Beginner's Guide to Safety Statements. It is a combination of

the Policy and Plan for Safety and Health & Welfare at Work, which should give an
outline of a Safety Management System in an enterprise by C. J. Harrington.

Workrite has a good set of links to topics in ergonomics. It also has links for articles in
ergonomics.

WorkSafe is a statewide coalition of individuals and organizations dedicated to promoting

safety and health in the workplace in order to preserve the health of all Californians. Lot
of links for training, legal, and worker information.

Workspace Resources has a lot of Internet links to office and work environment sites.

http://www.usernomics.com/ergonomics2.html