AJ Products UK
Blog: Tips to Inspire Happiness at Work
Ergonomics in the workplace
Designing a safer, healthier workplace in manufacturing with ergonomic furniture

staff members working in a manufacturing workplace

Designing a safer, healthier workplace in manufacturing with ergonomic furniture

There are several easy ways to help prevent work-related strain injuries. Offering employees the option to switch between sitting and standing, with tools like adjustable workbenches and ergonomic chairs, can significantly improve the physical work environment. Encouraging movement throughout the day - whether sitting, standing or walking - is one of the most effective strategies. You might also consider trying alternative seating options, like a saddle stool, for added comfort and variety.

It could be necessary to adjust the overall layout and flow of the workplace. Organise the space and equipment and make sure there are no bottlenecks in aisles or transport routes, improving both efficiency and safety. Tool panels, wall rails and suspension fittings can also help create a clearer overview of your tools and reduce time wasted searching for equipment. Hanging your tools at eye level means no more bending into boxes or reaching into corners.

Risk Factors - Lifting and Transporting Goods

The journey of a product from manufacturer to customer involves a lot of lifting and moving. Whether you're in manufacturing, wholesale,or retail, investing in an ergonomic work environment can make a big difference. In industries where heavy lifting is common, using the right lifting equipment can help prevent strain injuries. Tools like stackers and pallet lifters simplify and streamline the work, while adapted work trolleys can protect your back when moving lighter items.

Ensure that your lifting equipment matches the layout of your workspace and the type of goods you handle. Single wheels are great for lighter loads on flat surfaces and for handling long sides, while pneumatic rubber tyres are better for heavier loads on uneven floors and ramps.

For manual tasks involving heavier items, a sturdy lifting table can be a game-changer. Height-adjustable lifting tables make it easy to optimise working positions for tasks like packaging or assembly. Lift trolleys can serve as relief tables, work tables and transport solutions.

Learn about good lifting techniques

Available in several options

Electric work positioner LEVER, 200 kg

Art. no.: 30082

£1,399.00

Ex. VAT

Available in several options

Pallet truck RAPID, 2500 kg load, L 1150 mm, nylon, single nylon

Art. no.: 31028

£259.00

Ex. VAT

Lift trolley ACE, 150 kg load, 220-720 mm lift height

Art. no.: 31022

£399.00

Ex. VAT

Electric high lift pallet truck BLINK, 1000 kg load, fork length 1190 mm

Art. no.: 31078

£1,799.00

Ex. VAT

Available in several options

Quick lift pallet truck BOOST, 2000 kg, L 1150 mm, tandem, rubber, poly, grey

Art. no.: 31742

£395.00

Ex. VAT

Hard Industrial Floors - taking a toll on knees, joints and back

Hard surfaces in workshops and warehouses can be tough on your back, knees, and joints during long periods of standing. To stay comfortable and healthy, it's best to mix sitting, standing and movement throughout your workday. In areas like packing stations or assembly lines, where standing is common, having ergonomic workstations is crucial. Check out our article on how to enhance efficiency with a well-designed packing station.

Anti-fatigue mats can help relieve pressure on your back, legs and feet, making a noticeable difference in physical comfort and reducing long-term health risks. Look for high-quality mats with bevelled edges that lie flush with the floor to avoid trip hazards.

Discover our workplace mats

Ergonomic Seating Options

Ergonomic work chairs with contoured backs and seats offer critical support to the flanks and thighs. Adjustable seat angles allow workers to fine-tune their posture for comfort and blood flow, while certain models are designed to make transitioning between sitting and standing easier. These chairs can help workers maintain energy levels and avoid aches during long shifts.

For tasks requiring frequent squatting or low-to-ground work, a riding chair or industrial stool may be a better fit. These chairs reduce strain on the knees, ankles and lower back and often feature integrated tool trays so essential items are always close to hand.

Workbenches: Ergonomics and Efficiency

A stable and adjustable workbench that suits the user’s height and role is a basic requirement for a productive, safe working environment. Height-adjustable workbenches allow employees to tailor the working height to both the task and their personal ergonomic needs. You can also choose desks and packing tables with integrated storage so that tools and materials are always within reach.

To further improve ergonomics at the workbench, monitor arms and document holders can lift screens and papers to eye level, preventing strain on the neck and back. This setup helps promote a more upright posture and makes the work area more accessible.

Lighting Matters

Lighting is another important part of your ergonomic setup. Poor lighting can lead to headaches and eye strain, especially in precision tasks such as assembly or inspection. Invest in good work lights with flexible arms and spot illumination. Some lights offer tailored colour temperatures to improve the visibility of fine details, making tasks easier and safer.

Advice for Standing at Work

According to the Standing at Work Report from the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, prevention strategies should include:

Adjustable ergonomic workstations that allow for both sitting and standing positions.
Suitable seating options including work stools and chairs with proper back and leg support.
Organised workflows that allow variety, reduce long periods of standing, and offer sufficient control over how tasks are performed.
Additional measures like anti-fatigue mats and cushioning insoles when standing cannot be avoided.
Active employee involvement and regular review of workplace improvements to ensure effectiveness and continued comfort.

Follow up on the improvements made

It’s important to review the impact of the ergonomic measures you've taken after a while. Ideally, you’ll see the improvements you expected; if not, it’s time to investigate and address any issues. Once you identify the problem, make sure to resolve it promptly. Remember, creating a truly ergonomic work environment also involves educating employees about proper posture, lifting techniques and more. Regular assessments and risk evaluations are key to maintaining a comfortable and effective workspace.

A pleasant and productive workplace

Creating a pleasant and productive workplace is our passion at AJ Products. With several decades of experience delivering quality furniture and equipment for workshops and warehouses, we understand what it takes to support efficiency and wellbeing at work.

We're dedicated to helping you enhance your work environment with products that improve comfort, safety and productivity. Whether you need to furnish your entire office or just update specific areas, our extensive range of solutions can help you design the ideal workspace, we’re your one-stop shop for better workplaces!

Need help? Ask our interior experts!

We at AJ Products are always available to help you with solutions suited just for your business. Contact us if you have questions on the choice of fabric, need some inspiration or want to know the alternatives that would best suit your premises. We can then tell you more about your choices.

FAQ

Industrial ergonomics is ergonomics applied to industrial environments in the form of ergonomically designed tools and ergonomic workplace furnishings. The goal of ergonomics is to eliminate discomfort and risk of injury due to work.

A workplace that is adapted so that the employees do not strain their bodies unnecessarily can be called ergonomic. It is a workplace that modifies the work to fit the worker, not the other way around. This is achieved with the help of, among other things, adequate lighting, adaptable workstations and correct lifting aids.

Stress and strain injuries can be reduced and even avoided entirely through knowledge of correct working postures and through access to an ergonomically adapted work environment.

An investment in ergonomic equipment can help reduce sickness absence and work-related injuries. Looking after employees health and wellbeing will help to retain staff and reduce turnover. The profit will be both financial and health-wise for both employers and employees.

Stress and strain related disorders involve deterioration of body structures such as muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, nerves, cartilage, bones and the localised blood circulation. Often the sufferer experiences muscle pain in places such as shoulders, neck and shoulders, hips, legs, knees and feet.

There are three main types of ergonomics. Physical ergonomics is about the design of work tools, equipment and lifting/loading. Cognitive ergonomics refers to the presentation and processing of information. Organisational ergonomics focuses on processes within the organisation.

Height adjustable workbench VERVE, 200 kg load, 1600x800 mm

Art. no.: 27520

£749.00

Ex. VAT

Height adjustable workbench VERVE, 200 kg, 1600x800 mm, tool panel + shelves

Art. no.: 27523

£1,099.00

Ex. VAT

Available in several options

Heavy-duty anti-fatigue mat SUPER, 910x1500 mm, black

Art. no.: 24231

£95.00

Ex. VAT

Available in several options

Non-slip workstation mat MAGIC, per metre, W 610 mm, grey

Art. no.: 22527

£15.00/m

Ex. VAT

Buy

Available in several options

Height adjustable workbench MOTION, electric, 300 kg load, 2000x800 mm

Art. no.: 2741001

£1,575.00

Ex. VAT

You might also like...

Ergonomics in the workplace
Ease your body with a workplace mat
Buying guides
Choose the Right Trolley for Your Workplace
Tips & trends
Tips for more efficient warehouse logistics

Get the latest product launches and offers sent direct to your inbox

Do you want to receive exclusive offers, information about new products and inspiration on how you can improve your workplace? Sign up for our free newsletter and be the first to receive our best offers!

Please wait...

*By clicking subscribe, I confirm that I have read the privacy policy.