Environmental Health & Safety
Laboratory Ergonomics
In addition to the risk of working with hazardous substances, laboratory personnel are also exposed to many ergonomics risk factors due to the nature of their work and research they conduct.
Laboratory-associated ergonomic risk factors are not any different from those found in office work. These risk factors consist of awkward and static postures, repetitive motion, high hand force, contact stress, and vibration. Information to control laboratory ergonomics risk factors can be found on this page.
If you also use a computer extensively along with your research procedures, make sure you visit our Computer Workstation Ergonomics page.
Laboratory workers are potentially exposed to ergonomic risk factors when using:
- Pipettes
- Microscopes
- Microtomes
- Fume Hoods
- Biosafety Cabinets
Resources
View a PowerPoint presentation on laboratory ergonomics.
View a PowerPoint presentation on animal care and use ergonomics.
The Pipetting fact sheet can be used to train and inform laboratory workers on how to safely pipette.
Contacts
Contact Occupational Health & Safety (335-3041) for additional information and to schedule an ergonomic evaluation.