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Oct 1, 2026Laboratory Ergonomics: Reducing Repetitive Strain and Musculoskeletal Risk
Laboratory Ergonomics: Reducing Repetitive Strain and Musculoskeletal Risk is a 1- CE asynchronous continuing education course for laboratory professionals. The course explores common ergonomic hazards in laboratory practice, including repetitive motion, force, awkward postures, prolonged static positioning, and extended task duration. Learners will examine how these factors can affect activities such as phlebotomy, pipetting, microscopy, specimen processing, instrument operation, and computer work.
Through examples and case studies, participants will learn to recognize early warning signs of musculoskeletal strain and identify strategies to reduce ergonomic risk. Topics include workstation and equipment positioning, task variation, microbreaks, workflow adjustments, and practical ergonomic assessment.
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What You’ll Learn?
Course Syllabus
Welcome!
Conflict of Interest Disclosure
Accreditation Statement
Learning Objectives
Introduction
What Is Ergonomics?
Why Ergonomics Matters in the Laboratory
Four Risk Factors
Repetitive Laboratory Tasks
Static Postures
Awkward Postures
Force and Grip
Ergonomics During Venipuncture
Workstation Height and Reach
Patient Positioning and Collector Safety
Case Study: Repeated Venipuncture
Pipetting Ergonomics
Hand and Wrist Position
Pipette Fit and Equipment
Work Surface and Reach
Microscopy Ergonomics
Bench, Instrument, and Computer Work
Task Variation and Microbreaks
Early Warning Signs
Ergonomic Assessment
Engineering and Workstation Changes
Administrative and Workflow Approaches
Case Study: Repetitive Pipetting
Case Study: Microscopy
Case Study: Computer Work
Case Study: “That’s Just Part of the Job”
Ergonomic Checklist
Takeaways
Conclusion
References
Post-Test
Certification
Choose from a list of project topics or create your own project idea that incorporates all skills learned (e.g., a mini-banking system, personal expense tracker, or inventory manager).
Meet Your Instructor
Dr. Tieso is a laboratory educator who loves helping laboratory professionals continue to learn, grow, and explore the ever-evolving world of laboratory science! With teaching experience in phlebotomy, Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT), and Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science (CLS/MLS) programs, Dr. Tieso brings a mix of knowledge, real-world experience, and enthusiasm to continuing education. As an ASCP-certified professional licensed by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Dr. Tieso understands the importance of quality, accuracy, and a little curiosity in the lab!
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