Creating a Safe Lab Environment: Ergonomic Solutions

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) are the most prevalent health issues faced by the working population, causing more absenteeism and disability than any other condition. 

Professionals in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, academic, and clinical sectors are particularly vulnerable, as they often find themselves sitting in awkward postures and engaging in repetitive movements. Conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, tenosynovitis, and tennis elbow can result in pain, stiffness, numbness, and fatigue, which can severely impact their ability to work. 

Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce these common workplace injuries.

The widespread impact of laboratory-based injuries

Scientists often carry out repetitive manual tasks, raising concerns about the risk of injury in the laboratory. In fact, if we take the typical lab technique of pipetting, carrying out this task for more than 300 hours a year—the equivalent of just one to two hours each working day—significantly increases the likelihood of MSDs. While typically preventable, these injuries often become incurable once they advance, potentially resulting in long-term disability. Even with proper medical care and rest, RSIs pose a significant risk of recurrence.

Injuries in the lab not only impact employees; they can also negatively affect business productivity and profitability due to reduced work capacity, frequent absences, and lower staff retention rates. 

The estimated economic burden of MSDs in the US ranges between $45 and $54 billion annually, driven by reduced efficiency, frequent staff absences, and compensation claims. These losses highlight the importance of preventive measures to protect employee health and improve business outcomes.

Embracing user-friendly lab practices

The first step laboratories can take to reduce RSIs is to identify potential risk factors for injury and educate employees on how to avoid placing excessive strain on their joints and muscles. 

Pinpointing the exact source of pain can be challenging, so formal risk assessments are required in many countries to help employers evaluate risk and take preventive action. Lab managers can also seek professional support from external experts for thorough evaluations and education about effective ergonomic practices to avoid potential injuries in both the short and long term.

Lab scientists must take regular breaks from repetitive tasks to minimize RSI risk, as well as incorporate movement and stretching into their daily routines. Lab workers should also be made aware of how to ensure good posture—keeping their head aligned over their shoulders and maintaining the natural curve of the spine—and how to select the correct equipment for ergonomic working. 

Replacing manual pipettes with automated liquid handling solutions, where feasible, is a single-step approach to reduce hands-on time and decrease accumulated stress on the muscles and joints. Electronically adjustable pipettes and benchtop multichannel pipettes also help users to avoid repetitive manual tasks and resolve posture issues. However, where manual pipetting is required, there are a number of ways to ensure safer working.

Investing in ergonomics-friendly labware

It is crucial to use pipetting equipment designed with ergonomics and usability in mind, to help protect the hand, wrist, and thumb. 

For example, dispensing liquids from a manual pipette needs to involve minimal plunger force and stroke distance, while tips should easily be attached and ejected with only a small amount of thumb pressure. Pipettes must feature comfortable grips that contour to the hand, as well as a finger hook to rest on, and operators should avoid gripping pipettes too tightly. A balanced weight distribution can also greatly alleviate hand strain. Additionally, wrist pain can be reduced by choosing pipettes with quick-set dials for easy volume changes, ensuring comfortable and efficient operation. 

Focusing on these features can ensure that overall user strain is minimized.

Prioritizing employee safety and well-being

Applying ergonomic principles and using specially designed labware can greatly reduce the risk of injury in lab settings. Ultimately, this approach leads to positive outcomes for companies, because healthy employees and a pleasant working environment can significantly enhance long-term productivity and success.