A Harmful Environment
Researcher after researcher has found that microscopists are harmed by their working conditions at an alarming rate1. One author made some recommendations to minimize the discomfort as far back as 18352, a more contemporary researcher found 80% of microscopists frequently experience significant pain3, another found an OSHA rate of 194, and yet another estimated the average career life span of microscopists at 5 to 10 years5.
What researchers have found is that people who spend their day at the eyepieces of a microscope can expect strained eyes, and sore wrists, elbows, neck and back. Consequently, industries are unable to take advantage of the expertise of their most experienced workers, just as they reach their most productive level, as a direct consequence of the environment they place them in. But it doesn’t have to be that way!