Design and implementation of a database for safety and ergonomics in engineering research labs

Workplace safety and ergonomic risks exist in almost any work environment. In laboratories, workers are at risk of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) and other injuries due to repetitive and static motions and adverse environmental conditions. For this reason, safety and ergonomics within laboratories are becoming extremely important to minimize risks for experimenters. This paper proposes a framework for assessing occupational risks in engineering research labs and develops a database system for safety and ergonomics. The database provides lab users with an efficient way for storing and retrieving data. A conceptual model for the database was created using Entity Relationship Diagram (ERD). Data was collected using surveys, manual assessments, lab records, and other sources. Safety data was obtained through an assessment conducted by the Safety Committee and ergonomic data was obtained by an assessment conducted by the research team. The database was implemented in Microsoft Access® and tables were created for lab information, safety and ergonomics, lab equipment, materials, and research activities.