An ergonomic assessment of sample preparation job tasks in a chemical laboratory

Previous research had indicated that repetitive motions and static postures could cause musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). A review of the ergonomic and safety literature indicated a lack of postural assessment information for job tasks within a chemical laboratory. The study used ergonomic assessment tools to evaluate the postures associated with laboratory sample preparation tasks. Six sample preparation job tasks were evaluated by the following tools: anthropometric and environmental data, a Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA), and a BodyMap. The REBA assessed six sub tasks within each sample preparation task. The relative range of postures associated with observed tasks were determined. The results indicated medium to high-risk REBA scores in at least one sub task for each sample preparation job task. The resulting differences amongst the tasks and sub task REBA scores were due to environmental and anthropometric variations. Participants noted discomfort in the BodyMap survey, which corresponded to observed awkward postures in the REBA assessment. Frequent short breaks along with workstation re-design and a stretching program could help reduce the risk of MSDs. Further investigation and remediation were recommended for the chemical laboratory work environment.