Awkward posture is a position that requires an increased physical demand on the muscles and joints:

• Elevated arms
• Bent back
• Back rotation
• Bent neck
• Raised shoulders
• Extended reach
• Elbows winged
• Bent wrists

Duration/Task Exposure

• Long task time without stretching
• Long task time without a break

Environmental stressors are physical elements in the workplace which may contribute to your risk of injury:

• Lighting
• Ambient noise
• Crowded or disorganized work space
• Temperature
  • Cold or hot environment
  • Cold or hot tool manipulation

Forceful exertion is performing activities or tasks with undue effort or strength often exerted on smaller localized muscle group.

• Heavy typist
• Holding the mouse forcefully
• Pinch grip in micromanipulation work
• Twisting or snapping off caps
• Inserting/ejecting tips

Contact pressure is pressing or planting a part of your body against a hard surface or sharp edge.

• Planting wrist down when typing
• Planting wrist down and pivoting at the wrist to mouse
• Leaning on work surface edge or hard surfaces with elbows, forearms or wrists.
• Thumb pressure with pipetting
• Inadequate leg clearance under work benches creating pressure on the knees.
• Pressure in the back of the knees if the seat pan is too deep.

 

Static posture is a position which is maintained for a prolonged period of time without moving. It requires constant muscular contraction/tension to keep the body in that position. This can lead to fatigue or strain.

• Low back stress from sitting or standing for long period
• Muscular tension from holding a position or an instrument steadily for a prolonged period of time
• Extended period of near-range visual work such as microscopy or computer work can lead to eyestrain or fatigue

Repetitive Motion

Repeatedly using the same muscles to do the same movement for a prolonged period of time.

 

 

• Typing
• Mousing
• Filing
• Pipetting
• Twisting caps
• Turning dials repeatedly