Preventing musculoskeletal disorders in laboratory workers

Scope

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) tend to sneak up on laboratory workers if job tasks aren’t carefully assessed for risk. Lab workers are at risk during routine tasks such as working with microscopes, pipetting, and using computers for data entry or analysis. These tasks require standing for prolonged periods of time, working in awkward positions, and gripping hand tools and instruments.

Management support and effective training are cornerstones to accurately identifying, assessing, and controlling laboratory hazards. Hazard identification and control must be taught and encouraged through training and ongoing organizational support. In most cases, the cause of MSDs can be traced to body movements and the demands of the job. Because the likelihood of developing MSDs is directly related to the frequency, duration, and intensity of exposure to environmental stressors, assessments should focus on these factors. The greater the level of exposure to a risk factor, the greater the risk of developing MSDs. Workers are at greatest risk when required to perform repeated, awkward or intense tasks for prolonged periods of time or often throughout the day.

MSDs can be severe and result in permanent damage if risk factors aren’t addressed. OSHA’s Laboratory standard (29 CFR 1910.1450) is intended to protect workers from laboratory hazards, monitor chemical handling, and hold employers and workers accountable for workplace safety.

Regulatory citations

• 29 CFR 1904 — Recording and reporting occupational injuries and illnesses
• 29 CFR 1910 Subpart I — Personal protective equipment (PPE)
• 29 CFR 1910.1450 — Occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals in laboratories
• 29 USC 654 — General duty clause of the OSH Act

Key definitions

• Administrative controls: management-dictated work practices and policies to reduce or prevent exposures to ergonomic risk factors. Administrative control strategies can include changes in job rules and procedures, such as scheduling more rest breaks, rotating employees through jobs that are physically tiring, and training employees to recognize ergonomic risk factors.
• Awkward posture: a deviation from the neutral position of any joint requiring muscle activity to maintain the body position. Examples include twisting, bending, kneeling, squatting, stooping, or working over shoulder height.
• Biomechanics: the study of the mechanics of muscular activity and how muscular activity relates to internal loading of body tissues, such as the ligaments, joints, and other soft tissues.
• Contact stress: stress resulting from occasional, repeated, or continuous contact between sensitive body tissue and a hard or sharp object. This contact may create pressure that can inhibit blood flow, tendon and muscle movement, and nerve function. Contact stress commonly affects the soft tissue on the fingers, palms, forearms, thighs, shins, and feet.
• Engineering controls: physical changes to the workplace such as workplace layout design, selection and use of tools, and adjusted work methods intended to reduce or eliminate employee exposure to risks.
• Ergonomics: the science of fitting the job to the worker. Ergonomics is also the practice of designing equipment and work tasks to conform to the capability of the worker, it provides a means for adjusting the work environment and work practices to prevent injuries before they occur.
• Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs): injury or strain to the muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage and spinal discs due in large part to repeated or heavy lifting, working in extremely awkward postures, and in pushing and pulling heavy objects.

Summary of requirements

• Conduct hazard assessments to identify potential environmental and ergonomic risks that may contribute or exacerbate MSDs.
• Design for safety whenever possible by incorporating lift tables and adjustable carts, appropriate lighting, electronic or multi-channel pipettes, and other ergonomic controls into building and workplace planning.
• Develop and implement ergonomic engineering and administrative controls, as well as select appropriate PPE to protect workers.
• Establish and communicate procedures and policies required for MSD risk control and PPE use.
• Train employees on hazard identification, required protective measures, and proper body biomechanics for tasks.
• Perform regular task assessments to evaluate potential risk factors and ensure procedures are being followed.
• Include employees in safety planning to ensure they are aware of risk factors and protective measure. Appoint personnel to oversee ergonomic efforts and communicate with management and workers.
• Investigate any incidents or near misses involving MSDs or ergonomic stressors that may indicate remediations are needed.
• Encourage mini breaks and regular stretching exercises to relieve tension throughout the entire body.