Ergonomic Considerations In The Development Of ... - Baker Company

ERGONOMICS LEGISLATIONWhile physical, environmental and human factorscan create an ill-fitting workplace, certain changesin these factors can improve the ergonomics quotientof a given setting. Unfortunately, each work situationis different from the next. Thus, workplace standardizationis important.To this end, the Occupational Safety and HealthAdministration is currently drafting a proposal onergonomics in the work place. This proposal is inresponse to Congressional action in November, 1998,when Congress funded a study by the NationalAcademy of Sciences. The NAS had reported that"workers who face high physical stress, such as heavylifting or repetitive motion, have high rates of workrelated musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) and that‘compelling evidences’ exist that reducing biomechanicalstress on the job reduces the risk of injuries." 13On March 4, 1999, Charles N. Jeffress, AssistantSecretary of Labor for OSHA, stated "This nationcannot afford to wait any longer to address the seriousissue of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Toomany workers and their families are suffering needlessly,and too many businesses are having to foot thebill. We need to complete an ergonomics proposalthat provides a flexible framework to help guideemployers in addressing WMSDs in a sensible, practicalmanner." 14The proposed regulations are undergoing furthergovernmental review throughout the spring and summer.The regulatory text will then be revised and aperiod of public comment and hearings will be scheduledfor late 1999. The final rules should be enactedin the year 2000. 15 For more information on the proposedOSHA regulation, visit the OSHA website atwww.osha-slc.gov.THE SterilGARD® III ADVANCE˚For nearly five decades, The Baker Company hasremained at the forefront of engineering, testing andproduction of reliable laboratory contamination controlequipment. Baker capabilities continue to setindustry standards for pharmaceutical, biotechnology,life science and hospital/clinical applications.The SterilGARD® III Advance° is the culminationof more than three years of research into ergonomicsissues in the laboratory setting. This biological safetycabinet offers a variety of features and benefits thataddress worker comfort and productivity.SUMMARY OF DESIGN FEATURESAND BENEFITSAngled viewscreen Slanted viewscreen sloped10° to create more naturalhead position and to reduceglare.Reduced width offront grille & airfoilUniPressure PreflowPlenum FootrestArmrestReduced front grille depthand a slim profile lowerplenum combine to movethe work surface closer tothe front and to theresearcher’s lap for betterarm position as well as tocreate a larger work surface.Aerodynamically designedairfoil at the front openingfacilitates the flow of roomair into the front grille,ensuring no room air flowsinto the work area.Delivers quieter, more efficientperformance and offersoptimum protection fromparticulates with a uniqueintegration of supply andexhaust HEPA filters.Ergonomic adjustable footrestis available as an optionallowing comfortable positioningbeneath cabinet.Optional armrest acrosscabinet front improves supportand comfort; stands upto disinfection proceduresand does not interfere withairflow.Control positions Eye-level control panelpositioned to face downtoward the user for greatervisibility and easier access.Figure 4SterilGARD ® III Advance˚. The SterilGARD® III Advance˚biological safety cabinet includes many ergonomic designfeatures which can improve worker comfort and productivity.(The Baker Company)4