Lab Ergonomic Tips

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How to use this tool

When To Get Help

Report any injury or recurring discomfort to your supervisor
File forms with Risk Management (SU-17, DWC-1, Cal-OSHA 5020)
Contact EH&S for additional follow-up (6-4392)

Responsibilities

EMPLOYEES

Attend training
Use recommended work practices and equipment
Report discomfort or pain to your supervisor
Inform supervisor of and comply with medical treatment recommendations

SUPERVISORS

Evaluate employees’ compliance with safe work practices (with EH&S assistance)
Provide necessary support in helping make ergonomic improvements in the lab
Report employee injuries to Risk Management (3-7400) and EH&S (5-3209)
Accommodate employee work restrictions by doctor

EH&S

Develop, implement, and evaluate the Ergonomics Program
Provide Laboratory Ergonomics training and technical assistance with task evaluations
Analyze and report trends in ergonomic injuries

Resources

Your supervisor
EH&S (6-4392)
Risk Management (3-7400)
- SU-17, DWC-1, Cal/OSHA 5020 Forms
Stanford University Occupational Health Center (725-5308)
- Medical surveillance
Stanford Wellness
- Exercise programs and facilities
HIP
- Exercise/wellness programs


Task	Body positions/ postures	Work Practices/ Processes	Proper equipment
Task	Body positions/ postures	Work Practices/ Processes	Proper equipment
Seating	Feet should rest flat on the floor or a footrest Chair should provide adequate low back and thigh support Front edge of chair should not press up against back of knees.	Avoid sitting at the edge of the seat sit all the way back into the seat to provide back support Get out of chair at least every half hour to help relieve stress on back Before starting work make sure chair is properly adjusted.	Use a footrest if feet do not reach the floor If back support is not adequate or if the seat pan is too long try a rolled up towel or a back support cushion to provide support. Remove or adjust armrests that hinder work activities
Pipetting	Maintain straight wrists Keep elbows close to body	Keep waste bins beakers etc. as close as possible Take frequent microbreaks away from pipetting (at least every 15-30 minutes) Share workload between right and left hands Rotate pipetting tasks with other employees as feasible Occasionally alternate activities to avoid continuous pipetting for long periods	Use shorter pipetters and pipette tips Choose pipetters that require minimal hand and finger effort For highly repetitive jobs utilize automated processes or multi-channel pipetters where feasible. See seating
Test Tube Handling	Maintain straight wrists Work w/ elbows close to body Avoid reaching upward or stooping low	Arrange tubes to minimize reaching/ twisting Share workload between right and left hands Take adequate breaks away from handling activity (even short several second “micro-breaks” help Use both hands to open tubes	Use upside-down containers to raise tube racks when needed Use vortexer mixer rack instead of holding tubes by hand Use cap removers to help minimize pinch gripping To avoid forearms resting on sharp edges pad edges or use a cushion to pad forearm.
Microscope Use	Maintain straight wrists Avoid tilted head/ neck postures	Take frequent microbreaks to rest eyes (momentarily close eyes or focus on far away objects to vary focal length) Keep scopes clean and in good condition Spread microscope work throughout the day or rotate microscope work among several employees as feasible	Raise and stand microscope at a slight tilt to allow a more upright head/neck posture To avoid forearms resting on sharp edges pad edges or use a cushion to pad forearm. See seating (above)
Hand Tool Use	Maintain straight wrists Avoid pinch gripping tools when possible	Take occasional microbreaks away from tool use (at least every 15-30 minutes) Share workload between right and left hands	Choose the right tool for the job Ensure tools are in proper working order Increase size of tool handles where possible to minimize gripping effort
General Work Tips	Minimize use of awkward body postures	For any continuous/repetitive task take frequent microbreaks away from the primary activity Arrange work scheduling to allow occasional alternating of tasks Rotate tasks intermittently between left and right hands to avoid overuse of any one side For highly continuous/repetitive tasks consider a rotation of employees to help safely distribute workload	When purchasing equipment models that adjust in size are preferable Use the proper equipment for the task Know how to properly use the equipment Where feasible use automated processes to reduce/ eliminate high repetition or forces

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