Ergonomics refers to tailoring the work environment and tools of a job to fit the natural motions and posture of workers.

Within ergonomically balanced environments, workers are protected from performing dangerous or repetitive motions and static positions, avoiding strain on the joints and muscles that can lead to health problems ranging from muscle soreness or tightness all the way to more serious musculoskeletal disorders.

Workplace ergonomics is a factor within virtually every workplace, from the office environment to warehouses, construction sites, and packaging lines. Anywhere that a person will interact with a process or a workstation, business managers should consider how to improve the safety of that interaction and how it can be tailored to individual bodies.

How can the right solutions have a positive impact on workplace ergonomics for packaging?

When evaluating ergonomics for something like an office chair, taking note of a natural alignment of the joints and a comfortable amount of support while sitting is usually part of the process. It’s an intuitive approach that anyone can grasp by testing out the product.

Within the environment of a warehouse packing line, it can be helpful to consider both the ergonomic optimization of the equipment being used, as well as the optimization of the processes involved.

Related Reading: Packaging Automation: Everything You Need To Know

Focusing on better ergonomic processes.

Better ergonomic processes remove unnecessary motions and awkward or strenuous actions in favor of safer and more simplified work. The following considerations can be used as a checklist to apply to packaging environments. If any of these are present within the workplace, they could present an ergonomic risk factor.

• Pressing against sharp or hard surfaces.
• Moving heavy weights or straining against strong forces.
• Temperature extremes.
• Repetitive motions.
• Contorting or stretching to complete processes outside of a normal range of motion.

Focusing on more ergonomic workspaces.

While better processes can help to reduce and avoid ergonomically damaging situations, optimizing the pack-space and setting up workers for success is another crucial element. Take stock of these checklist items to make sure that your workspaces are actively being looked at from the standpoint of ergonomics and employee health.

• Present proper training for the use of tools and space in the workplace and actively observe if there are instances where tools are being used incorrectly or safety procedures are being ignored.
• Develop flexible working stations that can be adjusted to reduce overextensions and unnecessary exertions.
• Consider the presence of potentially dangerous surfaces, and if they can be modified or better flagged as a safety risk.
• Evaluate if there is proper lighting to allow workers to see what they are doing. They should not have to move out of a safe position in order to get a better view of their tasks.