A Primer Based on Workplace Evaluations of Musculoskeletal Disorders
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Elements of Ergonomics Programs A Primer Based on Workplace Evaluations of Musculoskeletal Disorders |
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Toolbox Tray 1-A: NIOSH Investigations of WMSDs in Work Settings |
| Standard industrial classification
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8731 Services (Biological research) |
| Work setting and tasks | Research laboratory conducting anticancer research. Numerous laboratory tasks. |
| Work-related musculoskeletal problems found | Upper extremities |
| Ergonomic risk factors found | Sustained awkward and static postures of the hand/arm, repetition, use of pinch grips, contact with sharp edges of workstations. |
| Recommendations | Engineering controls included retrofitting pipettes with finger trigger strips and pipette foot switches and modifying biosafety cabinets (e.g., padding sharp edges, providing height-adjustable turntable for easier access). Administrative controls were changing job protocols to reduce repetitions, job rotation, and frequent micro-breaks. |
| HETA/NTIS reference no. | HETA 95–0294–2594 NTIS order no. (in process) |