Forensic Lab Safety: The Importance of Ergonomic Seating in Critical EnvironmentsAs work becomes more demanding, additional stress

is unavoidable. The physical stresses that can lead to

injury, though, can be avoided by ensuring that one’s

work environment is ergonomically sound.

“Think about the way you set a table—everything

should be placed within easy reach and range of

motion. That is the way a workstation should be

confi gured,” Metzger said. “It is the best way to avoid

undue muscle strain and premature fatigue from

overextending. Of the key risk factors in ergonomic

injuries, it is important to remember that the chair

offers control over posture only. But even if it is not

possible to eliminate all risk factors inherent to a given

laboratory, manufacturing or research setting, an

ergonomically correct chair gives users an advantage

by putting them in healthier working positions.”

Proper Posture

That focus on posture has been a primary concern for

BioFit, a company that is driven to ensure that their

Ergonomics 101

Ergonomics is the science of designing and arranging

items and environments to help ensure that people

can interact with them safely and effi ciently, and it has

long been the focus of seating manufacturers such as

BioFit Engineered Products, based in Bowling Green,

Ohio. According to BioFit President Ed Metzger, there

have been certain constants within the basic principles

behind ergonomics. “The ideas of adjustability and

good lumbar support are still with us from the days

when ergonomic seating was called ‘biomechanical

seating,’” says Metzger. “In addition, an effective

ergonomic chair will have a ‘waterfall seat’ design,

in which the seat curves downward at the front to

reduce leg fatigue by ensuring proper circulation.”

As the understanding of ergonomics has evolved,

seating manufacturers such as BioFit recognize that

ideally, the best seating solutions will perform three

basic tasks. Forensic labs should look for seating that

minimizes risk, encourages correct posture, and helps

ensure high performance among the people using it.

Risk Minimization

Metzger states that risk factors like repetition, force,

temperature extremes and vibration can lead to

ergonomic problems in the workplace, and minimizing

them is essential. The fi rst step is to work within an

optimum comfort zone. To illustrate this point, Metzger

explained his basic “dinner table” rules.

Chair Profi le: ArmorSeat™

• Polypropylene seat and backrest

• Powder-coated tubular base and foot ring

• Antimicrobial properties standard in every seat and back

• UV inhibitor standard in every seat and back

That is important to remember in forensic labs and other critical environments, where work

can often involve repetitive movement, and technicians frequently remain seated for long

periods of time. Injuries can result from repetitive motion, and musculoskeletal disorders can

occur due to improper seating and poor posture habits, but they can be prevented through

a better understanding of ergonomics.

FORENSIC LAB SAFETY: THE IMPORTANCE OF ERGONOMIC SEATING IN CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTS

products prevent the kinds of lower back problems

that are common among forensic laboratory workers,

especially those who work with microscopes

throughout the day. “As they bend forward to look at

a slide,” Metzger notes, “they put maximum pressure

on the spinal discs without even knowing it.” This can

lead to a condition called kyphosis, in which the spine

is bent out of its natural position.

The key to a healthy lower back, Metzger says, is

adjustability. As he puts it, “There is no single good

position to create an ergonomic environment. What is

truly important is that people are able to adjust their

chair often. In doing so, they are able to be in different

positions throughout the day instead of being stuck in

a static posture for a long period of time.”

Peak Performance

In addition to safety, Metzger explains that ergonomic

seating can help maintain user attentiveness, thereby

increasing performance. “Facility managers should

consider highly adjustable seating units which

provide for full lumbar support and forward lean to

counterbalance the tendency of users to slouch into

poor posture. Other features to look for include a fi ve-

star base for stability, a seat that allows for even weight

distribution, easy-to use height adjustment, and

cushioned, adjustable armrests, when appropriate.”

Ergonomics in the Forensic Lab

The challenge for forensic lab specifi ers is to fi nd

furnishings that offer ergonomic support and at the

same time fulfi ll the needs of critical environments.

BioFit has a number of lab and clean room seating

solutions that have been tested all the way to

Class 1/ISO 3. Features include an exclusive air

exchange system in the seat, which prevents air

from escaping into the environment, and seat height

adjusters that avert the escape of gas and particles.

In addition, forensic labs will fi nd that BioFit provides

furnishings that are resistant to chemicals and

bodily fl uids. BioFit’s vacuum-formed seating has

been engineered to provide outstanding preventive

protection with seamless design that minimizes

the risk of bacterial and fl uid infi ltration. In addition,

ArmorSeat chairs include a UV inhibitor and

antimicrobial properties that make them a great fi t

for laboratories—or any other environment where

bacteria could cause problems.

BioFit in Action: A Case Study

BioFit has provided laboratory seating for some

of the most prestigious laboratories in the United

States, including Oak Ridge National Laboratory

What is truly important is that people are able to adjust

their chair often.

Chair Profi le:Vacuum Formed Series• Saddle-shaped, contoured seat

• Seamless upholstery helps prevent infi ltration of liquids and bacteria

• Supple vinyl ensures easy disinfecting

• Available in clean room versions

FORENSIC LAB SAFETY: THE IMPORTANCE OF ERGONOMIC SEATING IN CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTS

in Tennessee and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory

(CSHL) in New York. When CSHL required seating for

200 researchers working in six buildings throughout

their Hillside Campus, they knew that their furnishings

would need to meet the demands of staff members,

who would spend extended periods sitting at both

desks and lab benches. The chairs would also have

to stand up to spills from a variety of fl uids and

chemicals.

CSHL chose BioFit’s EEC-series, which delivers

ergonomic performance and long-term reliability

along with the clean-room capabilities that are

essential to lab environments. According to CSHL

Architect and Project Manager Leslie Allen, “BioFit

is the industry standard. I’ve been here for over 20

years and we have always used BioFit seating in our

labs.” The fact that the chair’s design profi le perfectly

complemented the architectural beauty of the new

facility was certainly a benefi t as well.

The Benefi ts of BioFit

Ergonomically correct chairs might not be the least

expensive on the market, but the benefi ts will prove

to be of greater value in the long run by ensuring a

safer, healthier and more productive lab environment.

It’s important to consider a number of factors in

determining which seating solution fi ts you. BioFit’s

commitment to quality extends through its entire line

of seating, tables and multipurpose carts. Not only

are BioFit products designed to the highest standards

of ergonomics, but nearly every product in BioFit’s

seating and table lines is rated as Leadership in

Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) compliant

for use in commercial interiors, qualifying specifi ers

for LEED building credits. Additionally, BioFit tables

are GREENGUARD® Indoor Air Quality and Children

& Schools certifi ed for low volatile organic compound

emission levels. BioFit’s commitment to quality is

guaranteed by an industry-leading 13-year warranty

on nearly every product—one of the best in the

business—to ensure that customers’ costs remain

signifi cantly lower in the long term. In addition,

BioFit’s friendly, attentive and highly knowledgeable

customer support team is second to none. For more

information about the benefi ts of ergonomics, visit

www.biofi t.com.

© 2011 BioFit Engineered Products. All rights reserved.

Chair Profi le: UniqueU™ Series• Molded urethane seats and

backrests resistant to damage from chemicals, paints, inks and water

• Available with reinforced nylon, tubular steel or cast aluminum base

• Ideal for Class 1000 clean room and anti-static environments

FORENSIC LAB SAFETY: THE IMPORTANCE OF ERGONOMIC SEATING IN CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTS