The application of ergonomics to laboratory work presents a set of specific issues as a result of the type of equipment used and the organization of work in a laboratory. The use of equipment by laboratory workers is very different to the use of computer equipment by office workers or the manufacturing processes used by production workers.
Although laboratory workers use traditional machines and conventional office equipment as well as specialist equipment, the range of issues that are presented extend beyond the scope of an ergonomic assessor.
The main ergonomic hazards in the laboratory include poor posture (reaching, twisting stooping); repetitive work with few, if any changes of activity (pipettes can be used repetitively for long periods); manual handling and poor adjustment of equipment to the user (microscopes and biosafety cabinets are typical examples).
In one laboratory-type environment, where changes were made to the work flow to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders, Cardinus consultants found evidence that the training paid for itself in less than three months through an increase in productive hours and reduced work in progress, as well as resulting in a reduced risk of injury and absence from injury and illness.
Our engaging e-learning laboratory ergonomic assessments provide your employees with:
- Customizable ergonomic assessment content that can be changed to meet your requirements.
- Multiple language options.
- Laboratory ergonomic risk assessment training that adapts to the needs of each employee.
- Engaging interactive sequences that help improve the educational process.
Laboratory Ergonomics Plus uses a four-step approach to reduce workplace risk and support compliance with health and safety policy:
Step 1 - Laboratory ergonomics e-learning:
30-40 minutes of e-learning encourages your employees to make adjustments to their workstations and equipment as they take part. All laboratory ergonomics assessment training is customizable to meet the exact needs of your company.
Step 2 - Laboratory ergonomics self-assessment:
Employees conducting their own laboratory ergonomics assessment are given immediate feedback and advice. This helps them to manage their ergonomic risk further. Video-based stretching exercises and other modules encourage longer-term behavior change.
Step 3 - Automated communication:
Automated communication ensures your laboratory ergonomic risk assessment programme becomes proactive and encourages employees to engage.
Step 4 - Laboratory ergonomics management:
Your ergonomic team can use the powerful Cardinus management module, PACE, to resolve any residual risk. This ensures intervention is targeted, appropriate and result-driven. PACE also allows you to:
- Search training and risk assessment records easily.
- Easily prioritize employees who need intervention.
- Assign tasks and ensure actions are being followed up.
- Automate your email communications.
- Generate comprehensive ergonomic assessment reports.
- Generate charts and sophisticated statistical reports to support compliance with health and safety policy.
Save money, time and effort using Laboratory Ergonomics Plus for effective laboratory risk assessments. Contact Cardinus today on 866 966 3420 to ask for a free trial.
Further reading
Cardinus Risk Management has developed Laboratory Ergonomics Plus to meet the very specific needs of laboratory workers.
It has been produced under the expert guidance of Andrew Nicholson, BSC (Hons), MIEHF, CMIOSH, managing director of Axis Ergonomics Ltd and a principal consultant with more than 30 years’ experience in the fields of ergonomics and occupational health and safety.
Andrew Nicholson has experience of all types of laboratory work in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries, as well as the manufacturing and service industries. He says the focus of his work has been on finding and producing solutions through working in partnership with the expertise within the client company or industry.
He led a team providing ergonomics training in a global pharmaceutical company 15 years ago before the range of his work expanded to include carrying out risk assessment programmes, devising control measures, helping to prepare good practice guides and e-learning programmes.
Andrew has carried out return on investment studies for ergonomics programmes and has seen the many benefits they can bring to laboratory-based work, including improved productivity and staff well-being and reduced absence through injury and sickness.
Cardinus online ergonomic risk assessment programmes have been developed over the past 12 years to provide engaging e-learning that encourages measurable ergonomic behaviour change. Cardinus can provide evidence of substantial returns on investment.
Customers using Cardinus ergonomic assessments include Procter & Gamble, Shell and many hundreds of other organizations including central government departments and unions.
By simplifying the management of ergonomic risk assessments, Cardinus is able to encourage buy-in from your employees. We find that employees will manage much of their ergonomic risk for themselves thereby reducing the need for intensive centralized management.
Find out for yourselves. Our sales process is very transparent and includes a free-of-charge, no obligation evaluation. Find out how your employees will respond to online laboratory ergonomic assessments before investing any money. Simply contact us today and let us help your laboratory-based business to comply with your health and safety policy.