At VistaLab Technologies, we take the science of ergonomics quite seriously. We spent years working with ergonomic experts to study the physiological dynamic of pipetting and the root causes behind injury. It was clear that simply decreasing button pressure or changing a grip wouldn’t make a pipette ergonomic – an entirely new type of device needed to be designed in order to truly minimize the risk factors so common with traditional pipettes. When selecting the best pipette, start by looking at the facts. Ovation is a whole new class of…
Resources & Links
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a major national problem costing the economy – by conservative estimates – over $50 billion every year, according to OSHA and confirmed by a recent report by the National Academy of Sciences1 . For those who work in laboratories, the number one cause for work-related MSDs is the use of pipettes. By increasing your awareness of the causative factors for injuries and muscle stress, and adopting ergonomically-correct practices, the risk of injury can be greatly diminished. As a service of our professional community, we are pleased…
Best Practices for Workstation Organization
Ergonomists have suggested that everyone work within a so-called “comfort zone”. This is a semi-circle that your arms make as you reach out. Things that you use on a regular basis should ideally be within easy reach with your full arm. Things that you use frequently and repetitively should be within easy reach of your forearms. Much of the time, problems with reach are simply matters of rearranging your work area and moving things closer to you. Often it is a matter of habit — you are unaware that you…
Force, Exertion and Repetition
Force, simply defined, is the energy required to accomplish a task. Exertion, on the other hand, is the effort the individual needs to expend to accomplish the task. Although the force needed for a task may remain constant, exertion can vary based upon several factors such as posture (positioning of the body while performing a task), repetition (the number of sequential times the task needs to be performed) , and the environment in which a task is performed (such as in a hood or other protected area). For example, the…
Common Injuries
Ergonomic injuries are widely recognized as a major factor in work place health. About one-third of all occupational injuries and illnesses stem from over exertion and/or repetitive motion. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), according to the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), results in more days on average away from work than any other workplace injury. The median number of days away from work for CTS is 25 days, compared to 17 days for fractures, and 20 days for amputations. Workers with severe injuries can face permanent…
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