Nowadays, warehouses all over the United States are starting to be aware of the significance of utilizing ergonomics to keep their employees happy and more importantly healthy. What is ergonomics? Basically, it is the study of how humans usually work and ways they can follow in order to minimize injury, stress as well as discomfort in their workplace. It doesn’t matter if the establishment you are tied up with involves jobs that are purely paperwork that requires an all-day desk marathon or something that needs manual labor that obligates physical capabilities, whatever job it may be – ergonomics must be applied for everyone’s benefit.
So how can you utilize ergonomics? Aside from hiring an expert to survey your warehouse, the list below will give you an idea on how you can make your workplace safer and more convenient for all.
- Problem Areas must be recognized – Observe and take note of the improper viewing habits and sitting postures and try to correct them. One must sit in an upright position and must have a proper gap when viewing a screen, to minimize fatigue.
- Proper Training – Good ergonomics training for employees is substantial for the prosperity of all. A popular training is the “Alexander Technique”. This teaches the employees how to use the right amount of effort for an activity, thus minimizing their risk of stress-related or strain injuries.
- Planning locations and work paths – Knowing your planned work path and location on a daily basis can hugely provide for the long-term ergonomics advantage of the employees.
- Know your equipment – All employees must be familiar with the equipment that they will be using even if they will not constantly encounter it, to avoid sudden accidents or injuries.
- Fix hazards and damaged equipment – Using damaged equipment and not addressing hazards immediately is one of the major causes of injuries; therefore it must be corrected as soon as possible.
- Invest on equipment which is ‘ergonomic-designed’ – Ergonomic-designed equipment is at all times advantageous for it specifically reduces the risks of employee injuries.
- Refrain from Repetition – Inter-change your daily tasks from time to time; those who engage in repetitive activities for long hours are most at risk for musculoskeletal disorders.
- Take a break – Always take time to take a break from work, this is the simplest way to reduce stress and regain energy.
- Record your data – When applying ergonomics to your employees, be sure to always gauge the results, as well as the number of employees with compensation cases, sick days and their overall productivity.
- Give the right job to the right employee – Keep in mind that every person is unique; therefore they have different qualities and skills. Assigning the capable candidate to its rightful position will ensure quality outcome of work and lesser stressors for the employee.
Having a bit of knowledge on ergonomics for your warehouse will not benefit only your employees but you as well, with the quality outcomes and fast work accomplishments in a satisfying and functional work setting.