One of the ways of keeping your employees happy and healthy is to make your lab ergonomic. When employees work in conditions that aren’t ergonomic or do the same actions over and over, it can lead to strain and stiffness in muscles. This, in turn, can eventually lead to long-term damage and discomfort. To combat this, lab administrators need to consider ways of making their labs more ergonomic and comfortable. Here are a few of the different things you can do to keep your employees comfortable and healthy.
Make Sure Workstations Are the Right Height
When working on computers or working on projects that require the employee to sit for long periods of time, the lab workstation needs to be at the proper height. If it’s too high or too low, eventually the worker will start to feel the strain. This is especially true if the person is working on a computer because long-term typing can strain the wrists, resulting in carpal tunnel syndrome.
Unfortunately, the most comfortable height is often different for different people. To counter this, invest in lab chairs that are adjustable. On the other hand, you can also invest in adjustable workstations. These stations can often convert from standard desks to standing desks. Many labs have found this type of lab workbench helpful, but you do have to be cautious. You want to make certain that the workstation is securely locked into place so it doesn’t move suddenly and spill chemicals.
Teach Good Posture
Many lab workers end up hunched over their workstations, but that only leads to a sore back and stiff shoulders. Teach your workers to always adjust their seat or desk height as needed. The person’s feet should be able to rest on the floor, while their back should be fully supported by the chair. When using something such as a biosafety cabinet, the person should adjust their chair height so that their armpits are about equal to the cabinet sash. This will make it much easier to use without needing to hunch over. Make sure employees understand how to achieve good posture. Otherwise, your investment in ergonomic lab furniture may go unused.
Keep Height in Mind
Installing your lab cabinets up too high can make it difficult for some employees to reach. This could lead to repeated stretching, which can cause problems. Chemicals, equipment, and other items that are regularly used should be kept at a height that is convenient for everyone and can easily be reached without the need to reach upwards or bend down.
It’s also a good idea to keep common safety items nearby so that employees can quickly grab spill supplies, gloves, and other items without getting up or moving across the lab.
Avoid Jury-rigging Solutions
Instead of using whatever you have on hand to create ergonomic solutions, take the time and money to purchase the right equipment, furniture, and other items. Making do with whatever you have on hand could actually cause more ergonomic issues than it solves.
Want to know more about ergonomic lab furniture? Contact us for more information.
When working on computers or working on projects that require the employee to sit for long periods of time, the lab workstation needs to be at the proper height. If it’s too high or too low, eventually the worker will start to feel the strain. This is especially true if the person is working on a computer because long-term typing can strain the wrists, resulting in carpal tunnel syndrome.
Unfortunately, the most comfortable height is often different for different people. To counter this, invest in lab chairs that are adjustable. On the other hand, you can also invest in adjustable workstations. These stations can often convert from standard desks to standing desks. Many labs have found this type of lab workbench helpful, but you do have to be cautious. You want to make certain that the workstation is securely locked into place so it doesn’t move suddenly and spill chemicals.
Teach Good Posture
Many lab workers end up hunched over their workstations, but that only leads to a sore back and stiff shoulders. Teach your workers to always adjust their seat or desk height as needed. The person’s feet should be able to rest on the floor, while their back should be fully supported by the chair. When using something such as a biosafety cabinet, the person should adjust their chair height so that their armpits are about equal to the cabinet sash. This will make it much easier to use without needing to hunch over. Make sure employees understand how to achieve good posture. Otherwise, your investment in ergonomic lab furniture may go unused.
Keep Height in Mind
Installing your lab cabinets up too high can make it difficult for some employees to reach. This could lead to repeated stretching, which can cause problems. Chemicals, equipment, and other items that are regularly used should be kept at a height that is convenient for everyone and can easily be reached without the need to reach upwards or bend down.
It’s also a good idea to keep common safety items nearby so that employees can quickly grab spill supplies, gloves, and other items without getting up or moving across the lab.
Avoid Jury-rigging Solutions
Instead of using whatever you have on hand to create ergonomic solutions, take the time and money to purchase the right equipment, furniture, and other items. Making do with whatever you have on hand could actually cause more ergonomic issues than it solves.
Want to know more about ergonomic lab furniture? Contact us for more information.
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