Abstract
Poor ergonomics in a laboratory setting occurs when workers are at risk of repetitive motion injuries during routine laboratory procedures such as pipetting, working at microscopes, using computers and standing for long periods. This can result in laboratory workers developing injuries of the wrist such as tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome; prolonged standing can result in fatigue, leg cramps and backache; microscope and computer work can affect the eyes.
The study is aimed to evaluate the effects of exposure to ergonomic hazards among medical laboratory technicians. A descriptive cross-sectional study with a sample size of 181 participants was done. The study was conducted at a provincial government laboratory facility in Durban, Kwa Zulu Natal, using a questionnaire and a Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) checklist to gather information. The study incorporated qualitative data collection and analysis. Descriptive statistics, frequency calculations, tabulations and chi-squared tests were used to analyse data.
Of the total number of participants, 34.8% had a RULA score between 3-4 which indicates further investigation and change may be needed to their work settings and 65.2% had a RULA score between 5-6 which implies that there is medium risk detected and further investigation and changes are soon required. Socio-demograghic details included age of the participants, where majority of participants within the age of 31-40 years’ group, years of service, where most participants had 1-5 years and qualification, included Medical Technologist and Technicians. Ergonomic details showed statistically significant results with a p-value of <0.05, for standing in the station, microscope station and computer station. The study participants were exposed to ergonomic risk factors which included awkward postures, and static muscle work, which could increase the occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
The study recommends that further studies should be conducted in different laboratories to further ascertain the exposure to laboratory ergonomic risk factors including awkward postures, high frequency and static muscle work. Applying ergonomic modifications and engineering control measures in laboratories can remarkably reduce ergonomic hazards.
Key words: Laboratory ergonomics, musculoskeletal disorders, work-related factors, laboratory technicians, risk factors.