Ergonomics in an oral pathology laboratory: Back to basics in microscopy

Abstract

Ergonomics is simply a science focused on “study of work” to reduce fatigue and discomfort through product design. A comprehensive ergonomics program for the pathology laboratory has become necessary to prevent the occurrence of work related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and accidents. Most of the literature on ergonomics involve various web links or occasional studies on the effect of laboratory work and associated MSDs. A Google search was carried out corresponding to the terms “ergonomics”, “pathology laboratory”, “microscope”. All the relevant literature from web sources was sorted out and categorized. In this review, we intend to identify basic anthropometric factors, biomechanical risk factors, laboratory design considerations and specific microscopy-related considerations. The ultimate aim of ergonomics is to provide a safe environment for laboratory personnel to conduct their work and to allow maximum flexibility for safe research use.

Ergonomic Microscope: Need of the Hour

“…These include having an optical path (distance from the ocular lenses to the specimen being viewed) ranging between 45 to 55 cms. Also another consideration should be the angle of the eyepieces which should not go beyond 30 0 above the horizontal plane [16]. There may be few early signs of WMSDs such as early fatigue, less concentration, muscle stiffness.…”