ENG
GER
CZK
ROM
SWE
FRA
Contents:
Ergonomics at work - what to look for when choosing equipment for the warehouse?
How to understand ergonomics?
According to the dictionary definition, it is: “the science dealing with the principles and methods of adapting equipment and tools to the physical and mental characteristics of man”. Therefore, it can be assumed that it is all the work involved in planning, designing and constructing all the tools, workplace equipment and tasks assigned to the worker so that they are as friendly to him as possible. This encompasses a huge range of issues relating to his physical as well as mental well-being.
What can you consider as a working tool?
This ranges from the simplest, straightforward pencil, through the plans and rules of operation written with it, to large, specialised devices that require considerable knowledge and training to operate.
Workplace equipment.
The phrase is understood to mean entire machine halls and production lines – that is, a complex of equipment, often working together, with which a human being does his or her work, as well as structures and furniture for this purpose.
Tasks assigned to employees.
- Physical. They involve exertion, reaching for something, moving in and out of the workplace.
- Mental. This is most often the perusal of instructions, work plans – in the long run causing mental fatigue and, in the worst case, even misunderstanding the instructions given.
The biggest benefit coming from ergonomics.
Adhering to ergonomic requirements improves one important aspect that should be non-negotiable in any company.
Methods of workplace adaptation.
A well-functioning workplace absolutely must be tailored to the specific employee.
- This can be ensured as early as the creation stage of a place. It is then built and improved from the very beginning (so-called conceptual ergonomics).
- There are also changes that are planned for an existing workplace. In this case, corrective ergonomics will improve the efficiency and productivity of those who have worked there before.
Ergonomic workstation - most simply by example.
Nowadays, a large proportion of employees work at computers or various types of monitors. To many people, this may seem like light, easy and pleasant work, requiring little effort. However, this is not so obvious. To begin with, sitting for long periods of time every day is not natural for humans. The more time we spend in front of a computer, the more we endanger our spine or strain our eyes. It is up to the employer to ensure that the damage caused by such work is minimised.
Using the example of the above computer workstation, note:
- Height of monitor placement or suspension – top edge of screen at eye level.
- Body alignment – head pointing straight, no bending or awkward twisting.
- Position of monitor and keyboard – in a straight line to the user.
- As far as possible, natural lighting without unnecessary light reflections, e.g. from the side of a window.
- Arrangement of hands – they should not hang down, preferably use chair armrests for support. Only the wrists themselves should be rested on the tabletop.
- Seating method – a chair must be adjustable up and down and at an angle.
- Comfort for the legs – when sitting for long periods of time, a footrest may be necessary.
- Order and cleanliness all around.
The description above has focused on a specific example, but this applies to any position, regardless of the industry in which the company operates.
The 7 most important principles of an ergonomic workplace:
- try to work in a natural position,
- minimise excessive exertion and fatigue,
- work at an adjusted, comfortable height,
- keep tools within easy reach,
- limit unnecessary movements – i.e. reaching far or high,
- change your body position, force yourself to move – even a short walk, moving to a different place,
- keep things tidy.
Ergonomics in the warehouse - specifics and recommended solutions.
This type of work is quite distinctive. The activities performed are quite different from other standard job duties. If you want to design an ergonomic workplace here, you need to consider first and foremost adapting it to the people who will occupy it.
The height of the employee is of the greatest importance, but it is not a question of measuring everyone exactly and adapting the warehouse equipment to suit them. A better solution is to use universal, adjustable cabinets and shelving units. Each table, chair, desk and other storage unit should be able to be adjusted to the dimensions of the person in question.
In order for goods to reach the warehouse shelves, they must be transported there. This requires lightweight, handy and manoeuvrable trolleys that do not require excessive force from the operator. The maximum load that workers can carry is subject to rigid standards that must not be exceeded. For men, it is 50 kg for casual work and 30 kg for permanent work, up to a distance of 25 m. For women, on the other hand, it is respectively: 20 kg in casual work and 12 kg in permanent work (moving on a flat surface, not more than 4x per hour)*.
Health and safety at work also require other requirements to be met, such as low noise levels, adequate light levels, appropriate ambient temperatures, humidity and good ventilation.
Packaging and shipping.
Looking at the bigger picture, warehouses are not just about storage. Very often, the goods deposited in them are finally packed and sent to recipients. The right work surface will be of the utmost importance at this stage. Professional packing tables, which can be individually configured to suit specific requirements, are of great multifunctional use here.
The entire workstation should be adapted to the packaging system used and the type of materials used. For ergonomics, it is advisable to have suitable shelves and handles fitted, necessarily adjustable in height. All equipment and accessories should be within easy reach of the worker.
Trust the professionals.
To greatly simplify this process for your business, we encourage you to take a look at effepack’s professional products. Visit our shop, where you will find fully customisable packing tables with a 7-year guarantee. You can also contact our consultant at any time via email: info@effepack.com.
Leave a Reply