Sort your economics with ergonomics

Ergonomics is becoming ever more important in the laboratory. Here we learn why getting the environment right can improve efficiency and productivity

ERGONOMICS is the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of interactions among humans and other elements of a system, and the profession that applies theory, principles, data and methods to design in order to optimise human well-being and overall system performance (International Ergonomics Association Council, 2000). 

Over the past decade the influence of ergonomics has become increasingly important in bioscience laboratories, where the impact of human errors can be disastrous triggering health and safety dangers or resulting in research efforts being wasted. When disasters occur, the blame is often laid upon the instruments' users and labeled “human error”. Often though, the errors are caused by poor equipment and system design. 

In developing or introducing new technology into any laboratory, one overriding factor is apparent: there is often a gap between the demands of the company that requests the technology and the needs of the technology users.  This gap can be resolved through careful planning at the outset, and benefits from key considerations such as ergonomics.  Spending time on a full analysis of the needs of the laboratory can reap the rewards much later, discovering what the technology will be used for, by whom, and how, so will often ensure that the most efficient equipment is developed. 

All technology introduced into a laboratory must conform to the specific commissioning client’s requirements which will vary according to different factors, and to regulations.  For this reason there is an ongoing need for vendors to seek outsourcing expertise for the development of specific instruments which are then commercialised.  In planning an instrument for development, certain key considerations are vital to success.

To begin, choosing the correct outsourcing partner for the development of a technology for commercialisation is essential. Factors such as timescale and budget will largely influence this decision, together with the reputation and past experience of the provider across a wide range of markets.  Choosing a partner with a global sourcing capability is often preferred, and a partner who has an understanding of global market needs and hence will deliver a strategic input into the development process is also in demand.

An outsourcing partner must be able to work with its client efficiently through regular communications, and will spend a great amount of time agreeing an accurate brief and pilot test to guarantee the end result will meet the ergonomic requirements of all users. Within a laboratory, different staff may use an instrument to perform different tasks. For example, a nurse and a scientist may both use the same point of care technology, but their requirements from the instrument will be different and need to be understood. The brief and evaluation prior to commencing instrument development is the most essential aspect of its development.

It may appear simple, but considering anthropometric data such as size, shape and strength ranges of users is essential. This can facilitate comfortable operation, improving working posture and easing the load on the body, reducing fatigue and the chances of suffering work related injuries such as upper limb disorder and repetitive strain injury. As a consequence, organisations that invest in such considerations in their instruments avoid the danger of possible liability and litigation, while compensation and medical insurance expenses are considerably reduced and fewer workdays lost.  The biggest gain is also continuous productivity.

By observing the processes in a laboratory it is possible to model how users interact with the technology, and identify ergonomic improvements and changes that can be made.  For example, if users wear lab coats with sleeves, these could catch on instruments easily, causing harm to themselves, the samples they are working on or to the instrument itself.  Users dealing with hazardous materials may need to wear protective clothing, and the amount of protective clothing needed can be reduced through changing the design of the instrument to protect users from the substances and chemicals.  Observing the wider picture and the processes that precede and follow the use of the bespoke instrument will increase the long-term usability – and acceptance - of the instrument.

Incorporating a Graphical User Interface (GUI) into the instrument design is extremely important, which any good outsourcing provider can advise on. Along with text, a GUI employs graphical images, windows, buttons, menus and scroll bars to display the information and actions available to the user. GUI design is an important adjunct to application programming. Its goal is to enhance the usability of the underlying logical design of a stored program. The widgets of a well-designed GUI are independent from and indirectly linked to program functionality, so that the GUI can be easily customised. A well-designed GUI can free users from learning complex command languages and in addition to its visual components, a GUI also makes it easier to move date from one application to another.

All instruments vary in their complexity, and the design of handbooks, signs, symbols and instructions so that their meaning can be quickly and safely understood is essential. Particular attention needs to be paid to the mental demands on the operators, designing equipment to minimise the chances of misreading information or operating the wrong controls. Vision is usually the primary channel for information, yet systems are often so poorly designed that the user is unable to see the work area clearly due to glare, reflections or insufficient lighting. Sound can also be a useful way to provide information, especially for warning signals.

It is also crucial to understand how the instrument will be used.  If the instrument is to be placed in an area of the laboratory where it will be used on a daily basis by different people, it is extremely important that all maintenance and access areas are accessible, easy to reach and easy to use.  Outsourcing providers will consider where the technology will be placed in a laboratory, for example will it be placed in between another two instruments?  In this case, access to the technology via the front rather than the sides and back is essential.  If the instrument requires regular cleaning, areas must be easy to access, perhaps lower down and at the front of the instrument.

Ergonomics forms an essential part of the design and manufacture of an instrument, but can be forgotten by purchasers looking for a cost-effective solution in a short time frame to solve a laboratory’s short term demands.  In planning for the long-term future of a laboratory and its equipment, taking the needs of users, the environment and future demands of the equipment into consideration can lead to significant cost savings. 

It is vital to adopt an ergonomic, user-centred approach to design, including studying users, and including them in pilot tests and focus groups. The benefits are improved efficiency, quality and job satisfaction.  The benefits are translated into a fast return on investment resulting in increased efficiency and boosted productivity.
 

By Jari Palander. Jari has held diverse high technology management roles in Europe, Australia and USA. He currently works as Executive Vice President - Business Development for Invetech in North Amercia, advancing Invetech's business in clinical diagnostics, life science research and cleantech.