Ergonomic hazards in the laboratory

Ergonomic hazards in the laboratory

How to reduce the risk of illness caused by ergonomic hazards in the laboratory while reducing physical and mental stress? When the ergonomic operating specifications are not followed, the operator will not be able to fully meet the needs of daily tasks physically, so it is only a matter of time before a work accident or occupational disease occurs.
The mouse arm (i.e., painful inflammation in the forearm) indicates that it is not necessary to engage in physically demanding work. The mouse arm is caused by the rapid and small movement of the mouse when frequently engaged in computer work for a long time, and many countries regard it as a work injury. The mouse arm is a type of disease such as Repetitive Movement Injury (RMI), which is the result of repeated movements of the body.
What is RMI/RSI?
“Repetitive Sports Injury” (RMI) or “Repetitive Strain Injury” (RSI) usually refers to painful movement disorders caused by the same way of movement. They are one of the most common phenomena in laboratories, and therefore are the ergonomic hazards with the greatest loss, and are the cause of work-related injuries.
The hands, forearms, elbows, shoulders and neck are usually affected. Common symptoms include decreased sensitivity, numbness, non-local pain, and swelling. Usually special therapy or even surgical treatment is required. Many industrialized countries recognize repetitive sports injuries as occupational diseases, and this is one of the most common injuries in the United States.
Repetitive strain injuries are divided into two categories:
Category 1: Medical triggers for which the doctor can diagnose symptoms (usually manifested as swelling or inflammation of muscles or tendons).
Category 2: Any medical inducement for which no symptoms have been diagnosed. Unable to identify the cause of the pain. Type 2 repetitive strain injury is also called “non-specific pain syndrome”.

Clinical symptoms related to Type 1 repetitive strain injury include:
Carpal tunnel syndrome: pressure on the median nerve that runs through the wrist.
Bursitis: Inflammation and swelling of the synovial sac in the elbow and other joints.
Tendinitis: Inflammation of tendons such as the thumb.
What is the cause of RMi/RSi? The main reasons include: long-term continuous repetitive operations, manual labor, incorrect posture, low temperature, and stress.