Handbook Provides Guidelines for Ergonomic Design of Microscope Workstations

An ergonomics handbook is now available that helps eliminate health hazards via guidelines for designing stereomicroscope workstations that considerably reduce strain.

Working with a microscope for several hours a day demands a high degree of concentration and strains user eyes and posture muscles. Leica Microsystems (Wetzlar, Germany) has now published an ergonomics handbook that helps identify possible health hazards and shows how they can be greatly reduced. It discusses aspects such as worktable and chair for sitting height and posture, as well as instrument ergonomics such as adjustment of viewing position and adequate lighting. Also included are suggestions for varied workflows, regular breaks, and exercises for spinal column care that can be easily performed at work. The handbook can be downloaded in English, German, French, Italian, and Spanish (Please see Related Links below).


“Ergonomically designed workstations allow people to work without physical discomfort. They contribute to occupational health and safety programs, facilitate daily routines, and help make a company more profitable,” said Meinrad Berchtel, Product Manager at Leica Microsystems. As no two people are exactly alike, Leica Microsystems offers various binocular tubes and ergonomic modules that allow users to individualize their microscope workstations for optimum comfort. The handbook also presents the range of ergonomic modules available for the adaptation of microscopes to individual users’ needs.

Related Links:
Leica Microsystems
Ergonomics Handbook