Ergonomics, is the science of fitting the worksite safely, efficiently, and comfortably to the individual, therefore promoting job satisfaction and productivity. Simply put, it is a way to work smarter, not harder by designing workstations to fit the job to the worker, not the worker to the job. Which means that everything needed to perform a job including work surfaces, fixtures, tools, and materials that are being shared need to be adaptable to the individual performing the task at any given moment. The unlimited flexibility of Aluminum Extrusion Workstations allows that to be possible by being able to add or subtract ergonomic accessories as the needs of the company change. There are several things to consider when taking a workstation from a table to a fully adjustable, modular, ergonomic LEAN center.
Workstation Height
Being able to adjust the height of the workstation is a great advantage allowing workers to perform individual tasks in an ergonomically correct position sitting or standing. By adding an electronic lift unit, the worker can change the height easily by a push of a button whenever required. Enhance the workstation further by adding 2-in-1 swivel castors with lifting feet, thus allowing the workstation the ability to be relocated when necessary and then leveled and locked in place until next time that a move is required.
Lighting
Lighting should be tailored precisely to the work being performed at the workstation as some might require more light than others due to the nature of the tasks, in some cases a magnifying lamp might be necessary. Having a magnifying lamp with a jointed arm allows more light flexibility when needed, minimizing errors.
Reach Zones
An ergonomic workstation should conform to the natural movements of the worker, not the other way around, therefore enhancing the workstation to have the needed items within the correct reach zone is crucial.
Zone 1
This is where the work is performed and considered to be the area within easy access with a bent elbow. It contains all items that are needed to complete the task for the day, however, once the task has been completed, this zone usually is cleared of all material and tools.
Zone 2
Items that are stored in this zone are used frequently being within reach of the workers fingertips and should be able to be adjusted by worker and/or task. This is an area which can be enhanced with accessories creating an ergonomic and back-friendly working environment by reducing reaching and lifting.
Enhancing your workstation with components that secure directly onto the aluminum extrusion is only limited by your imagination. The individual worker and/or company can easily add or subtract storage bins, shelves, tool caddies, label clips, grab trays, cup holders, monitor arms, etc. Friction joints and system arms can be added to most accessories allowing both vertical and horizontal positioning providing optimum ergonomics and lean use of space.
Zone 3
Objects in this zone are usually rarely needed since they are reachable by extending the elbow and/or leaning at the waist which can cause injury over time. By adding compound slides, power tools can be added to the workstation allowing the worker to easily position it to perform the task and then slide it out of the way until it is needed later.
As the world and business requirements change, so do employees and products; therefore having a system that can also be modified and reconfigured is essential. An ergonomically enhanced workstation will increase productivity, optimize space, reduce safety hazards and improve employee morale.
