A job, whether it is in a warehouse, on a factory floor, or somewhere else, shouldn’t wear down your employees every day. Jobs that do this lead to lost productivity, human errors, costly injuries, and employee dissatisfaction. Fortunately, you remedy all of these challenges by improving the working environment using mobile carts. Here is how you can design the ideal mobile workstation setup that addresses ergonomics and efficiency.
What is the Concept of Ergonomics?
Ergonomics refers to designing products, systems, and environments so they fit the people who use them. In terms of work, the goal of ergonomics is to reduce fatigue, strain, and the risk of injury while improving an employee’s overall safety, productivity, efficiency, and well-being. Ergonomics can be applied to different workplace elements, such as the design of workstations, tasks, and the environment to achieve its goals.
Using Mobile Workstations to Improve Ergonomics and Efficiency
An often-overlooked area where employers can improve efficiency and conditions for workers is in the equipment the business uses. A prime example is the use of mobile workstations, which can boost efficiency and address ergonomics in several ways:
Saving steps — Forcing employees to take hundreds or more steps daily as they walk back and forth to a central location is inefficient. A mobile workstation can eliminate this burden and improve your worker’s productivity. - Fewer errors — When your employees are more efficient, the rates of human error will also plummet. This results in a better work product and increased customer satisfaction.
- No extension cords — Extension cords are inconvenient and a safety hazard. The mobile power options available with moveable workstations allow workers to travel wherever they are needed without having to worry about “plugging in.”
- Improved morale — Employees can become frustrated and demoralized when the work they perform is difficult and uncomfortable. A mobile workstation that is ergonomic and convenient can boost employee morale and improve retention rates.
Designing the Ideal Mobile Workstation Setup
Mobile workstations are an ideal solution to boost employee efficiency and do so in a way that respects ergonomic principles. But these solutions will deliver the most benefits when you invest time in customizing your setup. Here are some ways your business can design the ideal mobile workstation setup for efficiency and ergonomics.
1. Equipment Capacity
One of the biggest benefits of a mobile workstation is that it will serve as your employee’s base of operations anywhere they need it. Instead of running back and forth to a central location to access a printer or some other piece of equipment, you want to ensure your mobile workstation has the capacity to carry the essential equipment your employee needs in a logical and comfortable way.
2. Durable Construction
Your mobile workstations will hold a lot of costly equipment and move throughout your workspace wherever it is needed. Because of this, it should be constructed from steady and sturdy materials so you don’t have to worry about it tipping or failing to perform as intended.
3. Monitor Mounts
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t’s a good idea to make sure your mobile workstation can hold at least one or even multiple monitors. Many carts come with durable swivel mounts, so you can add different-sized monitors, tilt them so they are visible to people of various heights, and move them out of the way when not being used.
4. Maneuverability
It should go without saying that mobile workstations should be “mobile,” meaning they are easy to move from one place to another. Depending on your work environment, you might want to equip your workstations with heavy-duty casters, brakes, and even shocks so they are maneuverable and don’t cause muscle stains with pushing or pulling them.
5. Keyboard Access
If your employees use computers as part of their workflow, they probably need a keyboard. One basic ergonomic principle is that an employee shouldn’t have to strain to use a piece of technology. Doing so with a keyboard can lead to repetitive motion injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Your mobile cart should have a keyboard-friendly drawer and a way to tilt the equipment, so it is comfortable to use.
6. Foldable Work Areas
Your employees won’t be very mobile or comfortable if they can't fit through a door or aisle or make easily around corners. One solution is to add folding work areas to your mobile carts. These “wings” allow employees to fold down the work areas when needed and store them away when the cart needs to move to another area.
7. Storage Space
Another ergonomic feature you can add to mobile carts is ample storage space. This prevents employees from having to stuff items into open spaces or hang them in areas that may not be safe or efficient.
8. Technology Integration
Many employees use a wide variety of technology to get their jobs done. These include things like monitors, keyboards, tablets, wireless headsets, scanners, and RFID transmission equipment. A properly equipped mobile workstation will be able to integrate all of this technology seamlessly.
9. Power Options
Having proper power options for your mobile cart will make your employee’s work more efficient. There are multiple swappable battery options for these carts. You’ll want to choose the one that fits your budget and operational needs.
10. Simple Adjustments
Finally, it’s important that everything on your mobile is easily adjustable for greater comfort and improved efficiency. For example, employees should be able to adjust monitor height and desk height so their eyes, neck, and arms don’t have to strain to see or do work. Some mobile workstations even come with an adjustable seating option.
In the past several years, mobile workstations have evolved significantly. Now, in addition to mobility, these productivity and technology solutions allow workers to be more efficient with fewer errors. One of the best things about mobile workstations is that they are customizable and ergonomic, which improves the conditions for your workers. When you spend the time to design your ideal setup, your workers will be more productive, have fewer injuries, and will be more likely to stay on the job long-term.
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Making the Case for Mobile Workstations for Receiving |
