The importance of your lab set up

When we are in the lab, we often think of safety as reducing injury from chemical spills or electrical shock. However, one of the biggest factors that can lead to lab injury is the lack of a well-designed space. Slouching at a bench, using a micropipette incorrectly, or even standing for too long can cause injury or repetitive stress disorder. Ergonomics is the field of designing workspaces and equipment to fit the people who use them. This can enhance efficiency and safety while reducing discomfort and the risk of injury. In the teaching lab, incorporating ergonomic principles into your classroom and lab setups can significantly benefit both you and your students. Here are some tips and tricks to make your space more comfortable to work in:

1. Avoid slouching in the lab: Desks and lab benches both represent a place for students to slouch over their work. These spaces can be arranged to reduce back, neck, and shoulder strain. It can be tricky to customize these spaces, given that you likely have multiple classes per day, or per week. One easy way to do this is to make sure your students take advantage of the adjustable lab seats that can be customized for each user’s height and task requirements. This adjustment can help reduce strain on the back, neck, and shoulders. When at the bench, arrange frequently used equipment within arm’s reach to minimize stretching or leaning. If analyzing data on a computer workstation, position the monitor at eye level to avoid neck strain and keep the keyboard and mouse close to prevent overreaching.
2. Frequent Microbreaks: Promote taking short breaks to stretch and change posture throughout the lab period. For example, after pipetting a lot, try some hand stretches, like those featured in the video (below). This practice can help prevent repetitive strain injuries and improve circulation.
3. Anti-Fatigue Mats for standing: It’s not realistic for each student to have an anti-fatigue mat at their lab bench, but they can be placed in locations where standing is required for prolonged periods, such as at workbenches or fume hoods. Furthermore, you (the instructor) can have anti-fatigue mats in places where you may stand during instruction. These mats can help reduce leg and back discomfort.

4. Appropriate Footwear: Closed-toe shoes are key to protecting your feet from chemical spills, but proper shoes can also reduce the impact on feet and joints and help in maintaining a good posture. Encourage the use of supportive footwear like sneakers or clogs, especially on days when students will be standing a lot.
5. Use of Ergonomic Tools: Opt for ergonomically designed tools, such as pipettes with comfortable grips, light touch dispensing, and/or electronic pipette fillers to reduce thumb strain from manual operations. These might be too expensive for every student to have a set, but if you (the instructor) are doing a lot of aliquoting, it might be useful to have one set for yourself. (Or, try to find lab kits with innovations like our QuickStrips to reduce the amount of lab prep you need to do.)
6. Proper Lighting: Ensure that all work areas are well-lit to reduce eye strain. Consider adjustable task lighting to allow students to fine-tune the light levels according to the task and personal preference.
7. Training and Awareness: Provide training on the importance of ergonomics in the lab. Teach staff how to adjust their workstations, use ergonomic tools, and recognize the early signs of ergonomic-related injuries.

Implementing these ergonomic hacks can lead to a healthier, more comfortable, and more productive laboratory environment for you and your students.