Re: Ergonomics & the Histotech

From:Jan.Minshew@leica-microsystems.com

Hello Benjie,

The NSH office forwarded your message to me since I am one of the NSH
Health and Safety Committee advisors for ergonomics issues.  I was glad to
see that you posted your questions on Histonet also.  You will get a lot of
good feedback from the group, and I think you will find that there is no
lack of emotion from the individuals who have suffered injuries.

I only know of one study conducted strictly on individuals performing
histotechnology related job skills.  The results of that study were
published in the Journal of Histotechnology as part of a three part article
(see below for references).  General information on Work Related
Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSD) can be found on the OSHA,
http://www.osha.gov, and NIOSH, http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/homepage.html,
websites.  Both agencies offer many free publications that are very useful
for setting up an ergonomics program in any facility.  (I don't know if
they ship to Canada however.)  You can also search for web sites that offer
ergonomic furniture and suggestions for workstation designs.

Keep in mind that repetitive motions do not necessarily cause injury.
Usually, injury occurs when repetitive motions are combined with a
stressor, such as using force or working in an awkward position.  They can
also be influenced by environmental factors and human factors, such as age,
gender, diet, general health and smoking.   Non-work related activities
also contribute to injury.

There is an abundance of automated equipment available for almost every
histotechnology discipline.  Many employers are strongly recommending a
shift to automated equipment, especially for microtomy, staining and
coverslipping.  Unfortunately, it is common to see automated equipment
being used manually because changing techniques requires a learning curve
that many users can't work into their schedule.  Most of us are using
computers, often a major contributor to WMSD.

If you are planning to attend the NSH Symposium/Convention next month in
Long Beach, you might wish to enroll in  Workshop #56, Ergonomics and What
Does It Have To Do With Histology, on Monday, September 30th.  It will be
presented by Pearl Gervais, my fellow ergonomics advisor, and Susan Unger.
I'm certain it will be a very good course.

I'm sure we could all benefit from the responses you receive, so please
share off-line messages with the group.

Best regards,

Jan Minshew
Marketing Manager
Leica Microsystems

References:
Herman, Gilbert E., et al., Histologists, Microtomy, Chronic Repetitive
Trauma, and Techniques to Avoid Injury: I.   A Statistical Evaluation of
the Job Functions Performed by Histologists, The Journal of
Histotechnology, Vol. 18, No. 2, June 1995.

Herman, Gilbert E., et al., Histologists, Microtomy, Chronic Repetitive
Trauma, and Techniques to Avoid Injury I I. A Physical and Rehabilitation
Medicine Physician's Perspective, The Journal of Histotechnology, Vol. 18,
No. 4, December 1995.

Herman, Gilbert E., et al., Histologists, Microtomy, Chronic Repetitive
Trauma, and Techniques to Avoid Injury: Comparison of Performance
Characteristics of a Motorized Microtome to Convention

<< Previous Message | Next Message >>