Lab Report 3: Pipette Use and Ergonomics

Any work environment including the laboratory, can be a source of ergonomic stress.

Laboratorians that use pipettes frequently may find not only their health, but their proficiency at risk. Two factors in pipetting which can cause the user physical stress are the design of the pipette and the manner in which it is used. An ergonomically designed pipette should pose few if any difficulties or risks to the user who, trained in body mechanics, knows which positions and postures to avoid. Awkward postures and repetitions are not bad in themselves, but can pose a problem if stresses are cumulative and tasks are not balanced.

Selecting your pipettes and the manner in which they are used is a relatively simple project which requires little more than applying some useful information. The investment of some research and training is far outweighed by the return: improved safety and health in the workplace, improved productivity, reduced absenteeism and turnover, and reduced probability of accidents and errors.