Often, workers in a laboratory setting share a workstation, particularly when working different shifts. When requested to conduct an assessment of a workstation for an individual, an ergonomist also has to keep in mind that recommendations must consider other individuals of varying size and stature who will be conducting the same tasks at that workstation. In the following case, an assessment was conducted on a lab technologist at a microscope bench.
The assessment included evaluation of physical work tasks and work station layout as they related to the worker’s size, stature and physical restrictions. The ergonomic assessment included observation, interview, task analysis and physical measurement of the work place to determine the level of risk associated with performing microscope duties. The tasks involved with these duties include examining a specimen, sometimes recording it on paper next to the microscope and then entering the data on the computer later or pausing to enter the data on the computer in the middle of viewing the specimen. A tray of specimens usually takes 30 minutes to an hour to examine – 2 to 5 minutes each.
It was concluded that risks for the microscope bench, existed for the hand/wrists/arms, back/torso and shoulder/neck. A moderate risk exists for the legs/feet and head/eyes and recommendations were provided.
However, since this work bench is shared by several employees performing different duties on day and evening shifts, it is difficult to recommend design changes without knowing the full extent of their impact on other employees. The findings of the assessment were consistent with other assessments with regards 1) to the working height requirement of the microscope and the height limitation of the regular chairs, 2) the use of the computer intermittently with keyboard/mouse use, 3) the presence of the metal trim beneath the work surface that contacts the thighs and limits the sitting height range of the user relative to the microscope.
Tomorrow, find out some solutions to this common problem in many workplaces.