Workstation Information and Courses from MediaLab, Inc.
These are the MediaLab courses that cover Workstation and links to relevant pages within the course.
Learn more about laboratory continuing education for medical technologists to earn CE credit for AMT, ASCP, NCA, and state license renewal and recertification. Or get information about laboratory safety and compliance courses that deliver cost-effective OSHA safety training and continuing education to your laboratory's employees.
| Physical Safeguards: Access Controls Physical safeguards include the physical aspects of protecting ePHI, and are of course comparable to similar safeguards discussed with the Privacy regulation. Examples of would include:
Limiting access to facilities where ePHI is being used by:
Locking doors in work areasWearing your ID badge at all timesLimiting visitor accessLimiting access to workstations with ePHI by:Turning computer screens away from view.Locking up or otherwise securing laptops and PDAs.Taking special precautions to secure workstations in public areas. | View Page |
| Technical Safeguards: System Access Control Technical Safeguards refers to technical policies and procedures that control access and use of computer systems.
Computer system access must be regulated:Level of access to computer system must be controlled.Only minimum and necessary access is granted based on job responsibility.System may log users off if there is no activity after a certain period of time.Users may be required to log off when leaving workstations. | View Page |
| What is Electronic PHI (ePHI)? Electronic PHI includes all PHI in electronic format, and its use and disclosure is regulated by the HIPAA Security Rules.Examples of ePHI include:All PHI stored in computer systems and electronic storage media, including servers, workstations, laptops, PDAs, diskettes, CDs, tape, and USB drives.Electronic mail (email) messages. | View Page |
| Protection Against Viruses and Malicious Software. Your IT department has a system in place to protect against viruses and other threats. However you can help keep your network clean by following these rules: Do not disable workstation anti-virus protection. Never open suspicious email or email attachments. Do not download or install unauthorized software such as games and utilities. Don't visit websites unrelated to department business. Close pop-up windows by clicking on "x", rather than "no". Report problems promptly. | View Page |
| Causes of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders The primary goal of ergonomics is the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). There are many potential causes of MSDs. Injury can occur from a single event (strain, sprain, slip, or fall) or result from build-up of tissue damage from many small injuries. An MSD can develop over time if a motion is repeated consistently so that the constant trauma causes damage to a muscle, tendon, bone, or bursa of a joint. Force, vibration, or maintenance of an awkward position for a prolonged period of time can cause MSDs.Some specific causes of MSDs that are related to laboratory tasks are: Prolonged use of a keyboard or mouse Prolonged sitting at a microscope Pipetting Screwing and unscrewing vial caps Standing at a laboratory instrument for a prolonged period of time Lack of rest - intensive hours at the workstation with few breaks Sustained awkward position | View Page |
| Work Station Evaluate your work station including leg room, reach radius, accessibility of commonly used materials, and height of the work surface. Adequate space should be available to accomodate equipment and allow for full range of motion. ChairPersonnel who sit for long periods of time should adjust chairs so that feet are flat on the floor or on a footrest. Chairs should have some primary features that can be easily adjusted including controls to raise and lower chair, seat pan adjustment, lumbar support, and backrest tilt or angle. Adjust the seatback slightly forward if necessary to avoid leaning forward unsupported or jutting your head forward. Reach radius Regularly used items should be close to the worker to avoid leaning forward and over-extending reach radius. Adjust your work space so that you can reach tools and equipment without unusual bending or twisting.Avoid reaching or bending - arrange the work area properly within the "work zone". Avoid reaching more than 10 - 15 inches in front of the body for frequently used materials or 20 inches for items that are used occasionally.Avoid reaching above shoulder height, below waist level, or behind the body to minimize shoulder strain.Avoid repetitive work that requires full arm extension (i.e., the elbow held straight and the arm extended).The image illustrates a workstation that is used by a technologist who performs microscopic work for the majority of the workday. The workstation is designed to prevent musculoskeletal disorders and fatigue. | View Page |