In the clinical laboratory, your work requires repetition in order to get accurate test results and to ensure patient safety. So how do you avoid repetitive stress injury when most of your job is repetitive work?
By following these tips and having the right tools for the job.
Being Organized Means Being Ergonomic
To help prevent overexertion of muscles, place your primary supplies within arm’s reach and secondary supplies within 24″. Rotating organizers and bins are a great way to keep supplies ergonomically accessible.
Best Practices for All Repetitive Tasks
- Take small breaks
- Vary tasks throughout the work day
- Wear gloves that are the right size
Pipetting
- Restrict manual pipetting to 4 hours a day
- Use electronic pipettes or light-touch pipettes for larger workloads
- Use anti-fatigue mats if standing to do your pipetting
Microscopy
- Position microscope as close as possible to you
- Use microscope adapters like an eyepiece adapter or a positioning plate
- Outfit your work station with adequate lighting
- Sit ergonomically
Phlebotomy
- Organize supplies above waist level
- Use height-adjustable draw chairs
- Use lightweight trays for mobile draws