Lab Ergonomics

Ergo Your Lab: Design for Efficiency. Designing for the human optimizes the work environment for maximum efficiency while reducing the risk of musculoskeletal injury (MSI). Work in laboratories can involve awkward postures, force and frequent repetitions, all of which are risk factors for repetitive strain injuries (RSIs), errors and inefficiencies. Working with the arms away from the body not only strains the shoulder muscles it also reduces hand-eye coordination resulting an increased risk of spilling. Today more than ever there is an increasing range of options to support your ergonomic needs.

Take some time to set-up your workstation to fit you and consider ergonomics when purchasing new equipment.

Setting up your workstation:

• Microscope Ergonomics
• Pipetting & Sitting
• Pipetting & Standing
• Pipetting & Purchasing
• Pipette Fillers
• Biosafety Cabinets

Poster Resources:

• Laboratory Ergonomics Guide
• Fumehood
• Biosafety Cabinet

Ergo Your Lab Training:

• Contact ergonomics.info@ubc.ca to arrange a live, in-person training for your lab
• Presentation can be downloaded online

Technical Guidelines

• Section 01 60 00 Ergonomic Requirements Section 2.2 (UBC’s Technical Guidelines)