The Ergonomics of Optical and Video Microscopy Systems

Ergonomic – a definition The study of the interaction between the human body and the systems with which it interacts Also known as Human Factors The goal is to improve efficiency, quality and job performance –Eases physical and psychological stress –Lowers fatigue factor –Reduces human error Ergonomic designs are common at work, at home, in automobiles, computers and appliances

Microscope Ergonomics Requires awkward positions and static postures: Head and arms held in forward position, leaned toward microscope Rounded shoulders, unsupported lower back Irritates soft tissues: muscles, ligaments, discs Using the footrest on the stool exacerbates the problem Microscope operators are literally “folding” their bodies to accommodate the scopes

Effects of folding the body The body accepts the folded position as “normal” Range of motion is lost; proper posture becomes impossible to regain Try This Exercise Extend your neck as if you are using a microscope Round your shoulders Try to raise your arms straight up in front of you Correct your posture (sit up straight) and try it again

Microscope Statistics 80% of microscopists in all fields have experienced job-related musculoskeletal pain 20% have missed work because of microscope-related medical problems Majority of problems reported for neck, back, shoulders, and arm

Overview of experienced pain

Comparison – optical and video

See the difference? Stereo Microscope OperatorVideo Microscope Operator

Startling Statistics US based calculations - per employee Average cost of workers’ compensation insurance: 56¢ per hour per employee Over $1,000 per year for each employee (2) Average direct cost of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: (3) $39,927 Average direct cost of Musculoskeletal Disorders from improper viewing posture at computer displays: (4) $18,677 Average direct cost of same injuries at same companies after ergonomics review and training: (4) $2,066 ( 2): US Bureau of Labor and Statistics Report, Sept 8, 2011 (3): National Institute of Health, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Fact Sheet, cost adjusted for inflation from time of publication to 2010 (4): “Muscoloskeletal disorder worker compensation costs and injuries before and after an office ergonomics program,” R. Jeffery Lewis, ExxonMobil Biomedical Sciences, and Marianne Krawiec, et al, Infineum USA LP,, cost adjusted for inflation from time of publication to 2010

Cost of workplace injuries Indirect costs are estimated to be 2.5– 4x the direct costs of injuries. Annual estimates of total costs range from $110 Billion to $230 Billion (5) Direct costs are easy to estimate Indirect costs are not Indirect costs are estimated to be 2.5– 4x the direct costs of injuries. Annual estimates of total costs range from $110 Billion to $230 Billion (5) Direct costs are easy to estimate Indirect costs are not Source (5): J. Paul Lee, et all, Costs of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses, University of Michigan Press, 2000, and presentation available at agcenter.ucdavis.edu/seminar/flyer/2009/Leigh_Nov3_2008.ppt

Video Microscope Ergonomics Set up workstation as shown

Eliminating Eye Strain 0201s On a 22” monitor with 40x magnification, 0201s are an inch tall 2.54 cm tall

Minimize: Cost of lost time and productivity Nerve-related pain and injury Eyestrain and fatigue Spread of illness and disease Video Microscope Advantages

What users say “It makes inspection of our product faster, more efficient, and allows for greater defect detection.” - Quality Manager “The pictures the unit takes and the ability to annotate the images allows us to develop reports for our customers that leave no questions when submitting and/or discussing our findings. - Program Manager “We all love to use it!” - Inspector