Freida raised the same question that was raised by Jan Minshew as she
presented her workshop on ergonomics and occupational risk factors at the
New York Histotechnological Society meeting in Saratoga Springs, last
weekend.

What's different from 20 years ago?  The consensus of the group was:
computers were introduced to the histo lab, workloads have increased
substantially, and many of us are are cramped into spaces that aren't even
designed to be labs.  CTD's = CUMMULATIVE trauma disorders.  Doing several
"unfriendly" tasks adds up to injury after a while.  Microtomes can add to
musculoskeletal disorders (MSD's) but probably aren't the only culprit. 

The workshop was excellent.  Many simple, inexpensive changes can be made
to make your work area more ergonomic.  The manufacturers of equipment are
making ergonomic changes but there's always room for improvement.  I am
grateful that the designs are getting better.

Computer keyboarding is notorious for causing MSD's.  So if you are reading
this, sit up straight, get those elbows at a 90 degree angle, get your
wrists in a neutral position and surf carefully.  *grin*

Judy  LaDuc, BS HTL(ASCP)
Histology Supervisor
Adirondack Medical Center
Saranac Lake, NY 
----------
> From: FreidaC@aol.com
> To: histonet@pathology.swmed.edu
> Subject: Re: Ergonomics
> Date: Thursday, April 06, 2000 1:37 PM
> 
> Why do you suppose that those of us who spent many hours, days, and years

> cutting on the old black AO microtomes did not, and do not, seem to have
the 
> carpal tunnel syndrome that is so prevalent now?  Do some of you other
"old 
> timers" also agree with this.  I know that that sat much lower and were
more 
> comfortable to use than some of the newer microtomes, which require that
you 
> elevate your arms more.  That may be some food for thought in this for
some 
> of the current designers.
> 
> Freida Carson
>