In the first part of this two part series, I discussed an assessment that was conducted on a laboratory worker at a microscope bench. The issue is that although the assessment was to be conducted for one individual, there are other individuals working at this same workstation during different shifts. Therefore, solutions needed to consider the possibility of other individuals of varying sizes working at the same station. There are a number of individual solutions, that when combined, may result in a larger overall impact.
- Provide chairs with a greater height range, along with other adjustable features such as a sliding seat pan to accommodate varying upper leg length. When the height difference between the elbow position and the microscope control position can be minimized, the employee will achieve a better fit with the workstation.
- If needing to sit higher, employees will require the use of a foot stool to support the legs and feet. Although there are a variety of footstools available during the evening shift, there may be limited availability or options on the day shift.
- Better positioning when using the computer may require examining several options:
- Investigate the feasibility of alternative software or input controls that would minimize the need to perform traditional typing and mousing. Examine software or hardware options that would minimize the need to use two hands to type (thus reducing the need to completely turn the body) as well as improving efficiency (i.e. cut down on keystokes). Alternative software may include voice recognition, however it is strongly recommended that this solution undergoes a trial period to evaluate the effectiveness as well as potential concerns (e.g. impact of environmental noise, impact to individuals who use vocal chords for greater duration).
- The space on the work surface is limited in part by the presence of shelving along the middle of the microscope bench. This limits where the PCs are positioned, which in turn limits where the monitor and keyboard/mouse can be positioned. Overall, there is limited flexibility in which to individually set up the workstation. Solutions may include examining alternative shelving options or design (e.g. one vertical shelf at the end of the bench, narrower shelves), alternative PC locations (e.g. beneath the work surface), the use of monitor arms, and/or potential millwork changes to the work benches (e.g. increased desk depth). In addition, replacement of the work benches is an option (e.g. height adjustable work benches), although potentially a more costly alternative.
- Due to the potential complexity of these changes, it was recommended that the organization consider a design review of the bench that could lead to the development of a prototype workstation. Long term, this may have impact to other departments as well where microscope work is also performed.
The laboratory bench is one scenario where many individuals might share one workstation. EWI Works has also encountered this situation in factories or food processing plants. If this sounds like your organization, contact us to get some ergonomic advice on a multi-user workstation.