An ergonomic design of senior high school science laboratories in the Philippines

Abstract

The Philippines lags behind advanced countries in scientific literacy and professional development, possibly due to, among other reasons, the state of science laboratories in high schools, where science interest typically develops. In the Philippine Science High School - Main Campus, the premier science high school in the country, 86% of Grade 11 students have at least 1 furnitureinduced postural or environmental complaint on their chemistry laboratory. Moreover, it has been assessed through RULA/REBA techniques that 100% of common laboratory postures are unacceptable. Through further analyses on the anthropometrics of the furniture and the environmental conditions in the laboratory, it has been found out that overall ergonomic considerations for the Filipino senior high school students have been lacking. Thus, the study recommends a two-part ergonomic laboratory design and layout for senior high school students, which feature ergonomic laboratory tables, stools, cabinets, white board and light and temperature control system.