Lab Safety and Ergonomics at AIHce 2016

Ergonomics in the lab can help reduce fatigue and injury, and result in more productivity.

  • May 28, 2016

BALTIMORE -- On day three of AIHce 22016, Marjorie Werell, PT, CIE, and Penny Stench, CIH, CSP, discussed ergonomics in the laboratory, as well as provided sound advice on how to best streamline a laboratory.

Accidents in labs are increasing, often due to the volatility of the materials but also just poor lab safety practices. Poor practices make labs that much more dangerous, especially when you consider the complexity of protocols that are evolving.

In order to prevent incidents and injury in the lab, you have to consider safety from a work organization and work flow perspective, they pointed out.

The biggest takeaway from the session was the importance of lab layout. Not only do you need to consider the different heights of your employees, you also need to think about the order in which machines are used.

Werell used spaghetti mapping to showcase the inefficiency of some lab layouts, causing employees to retrace their steps multiple times in order to access different machines. By reconfiguring the lab in a way that allows employees to logically move from one step to the next, you can save time and prevent possible injury that can be the result of poor layout.

Not all labs are the same, which is why it is important to obey standardization—up to a point. Be sure to consider the unique aspects of your lab and try to arrive at a sound conclusion for maintaining a safe work space.

Product Showcase

  • Safety Knives

    The Safety Knife Company has developed a quality range of safety knives for all industries. Designed so that fingers cannot get to the blades, these knives will safely cut through cardboard, tape, strapping, shrink or plastic wrap or a variety of other packing materials. Because these knives have no exposed blades and only cut cardboard deep, they will not only protect employees against lacerations but they will also save product. The Metal Detectable versions have revolutionary metal detectable polypropylene knife bodies specifically for the food and pharmaceutical industries. This material can be detected and rejected by typical detection machines and is X-ray visible. 3

  • Magid® D-ROC® GPD412 21G Ultra-Thin Polyurethane Palm Coated Work Gloves

    Magid’s 21G line is more than just a 21-gauge glove, it’s a revolutionary knitting technology paired with an advanced selection of innovative fibers to create the ultimate in lightweight cut protection. The latest offering in our 21G line provides ANSI A4 cut resistance with unparalleled dexterity and extreme comfort that no other 21-gauge glove on the market can offer! 3

  • Glove Guard® Clip

    Safety should never be compromised, especially when it comes to proper glove usage. The Glove Guard® clip enhances safety by encouraging employees to keep their gloves with them at all times. This reduces the risk of accidents and injuries on the job. By ensuring everyone has their gloves readily available, we help promote a culture of safety and efficiency. The Glove Guard® clip is designed to withstand the toughest work environments. Constructed from robust materials made in the USA, it can endure extreme conditions, including harsh weather, and rigorous activities. 3

Featured

Most   Popular