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LABORATORY GUIDELINES

To Control Awkward Postures:

• If seated, assure proper lower back and thigh support from chair and assure feet are supported.
• If standing, assure work surface is at proper height to reduce need to reach upward or bend forward. Use a stepstool if necessary. Upside down containers can be used to create higher work surfaces.
• Arrange test tube racks to minimize reaching and twisting.
• Work with elbows close to sides.
• Maintain straight wrist positions. This may require inclining test tube racks.
• When possible, use clamp to hold test tubes.

• pipetting
• handling test tubes
• microscope use
• dishwashing
• other lab activities

To Control High Repetition:

• Automate processes when possible.
• Share workload between right and left sides.
• Take adequate breaks away from handling activity-even short several second "micro-breaks" help.
• Rotate handling among several employees.
• Evaluate work processes to reduce steps requiring manual handling.
• Add personnel for peak periods.

To Control Excessive Force:

• Automate test tube opening when possible.
• Use pinch (thumb working with index finger) for precision activities that require minimal force.
• Use full hand grip for activities that require greater force (not the pinch grip).
• Use cap removers that change handling from pinch to full hand grip.
• Request samples be received in test tubes that allow improved ergonomics.
• Explore other sample mediums (e.g. genetic testing is moving away from testing blood to testing hair).

To Control Contact Stresses:

• Use two hands to open test tube samples.
• Do not rest forearms on a sharp edge. Pad the edge or forearm, or create a forearm rest.

To Control Vibration: