Physical Stress Reduction of Microscope Operators

Abstract

This study investigated the difference in the musculoskeletal stress-of microscopists between working in an ergonomically designed work station and working in a non-ergonomic station with physical exercises during their breaks. Five subjects worked an eight hour day in both work stations. The subjects' stress was measured subjectively (questionnaires) and objectively with electromyograms (EMG). The subjective questionnaires showed greater back stress in the non-ergonomic station but little difference between the stations for the other body sites. Although there was little difference in the number and severity of the complaints during the experiment, 80 percent of the subjects preferred the ergonomic station. The EMG results showed greater back and right shoulder stresses when working in the non-ergonomic station (F test with p < .05).