As manufacturing continues to grow and gain employees, it’s vital that intentional factory spaces are designed to impact efficiencies, productivity, and the health of workers.
It is through investing in the business and the people that allow companies to continue to thrive for years to come.
Ergonomic Risks
Unfortunately, with manufacturing comes a variety of ergonomic risks. These occur during tasks including frequent lifting, pulling, and carrying heavy loads, as well as consistent / awkward bending and twisting.
The University of North Carolina defines ergonomics “as the study of people in their working environment … The goal is to eliminate discomfort and risk of injury due to work.”
These ergonomic risks have the potential to lead to back injury, aches and pains, and more serious medical issues. It is vital that we take steps to combat these and create spaces built for people.
Combating Ergonomic Risks
Looking at the environment that an employee works within and the equipment available to them is one of the best ways to assess ergonomics.
First and foremost, height adjustability plays a big role. Your shortest employee should not need to reach while your tallest employee should not need to bend. Meaning, no fixed-height table is going to be perfect for everyone.
BUILT Systems offers height adjustable products that raise and lower at the touch of a button to meet the needs of the user. From workstations to machine bases, you can choose the product and weight capacity best for your facility.
Next, tilt features are also beneficial when it comes to ergonomics. Stop the need for awkward reaching over boxes or tilting necks to work on products. Instead, new equipment offers the ability for employees to bring the worksurface to an angle that allows the spine to remain in line through manufacturing and assembly.
Check out BUILT’s electric tilt cart or ask our team about adding a tilt worksurface to a standard assembly table.
Last on the ergonomic check list are the small accessories that make a large impact. Anti-fatigue mats or ergo arms for monitors and keyboards are easy add-ons to increase comfort and reduce potential health risks.
As you look to expand your facility or update an existing space, remember the importance that ergonomics make. Safe and comfortable environments are crucial to employee retention, company culture, and employee physical health.