In technical and industrial environments, work isn’t always stationary, and work equipment needs to move from one place to another. Using mobile carts to transport supplies and technology around a workplace offers employers and employees many benefits.
However, there can be some downsides if the carts are customized to suit the ergonomic needs of workers and the particular job functions being performed. Here’s how you can design the right ergonomic workstation cart for your particular needs.
Putting Mobile Workstations to Work for You
Many industries are now investing in mobile workstations to assist in the completion of a variety of tasks. When employees can move freely throughout the workplace and complete their tasks as they go, it makes work more efficient. These mobile carts are being used in workplaces like warehousing and distribution centers, hospitals and medical offices, auto repair centers, retail stores, and much more.
Mobile workstations are an innovative solution to fast-paced environments. Instead of requiring employees to walk back and forth to a centralized location to enter data on a computer or collect work instructions, everything needed to do the job is right at the spot where the work needs to be completed.
In addition to improving productivity, mobile workstations allow businesses to make better use of their space. For years, businesses have wasted billions on unused space, so this option allows organizations to reduce costs by getting more done with less physical space.
The freedom to move around the workplace with technology also results in more satisfied employees, which can reduce turnover and impact efficiency. More efficient work processes will generally result in fewer injuries, but only if you consider ergonomics in your workstation design.
Understanding the Benefits of Ergonomics
Adding mobile workstations to your operation is a simple choice thanks to the many benefits they offer. While these mobile carts don’t require any special installation processes, it’s a good idea to customize them to meet your operational needs and add ergonomic features for your employees.
Ergonomics is a branch of science that aims to reduce workplace injuries by designing operations with humans in mind. Work that involves repetitive movements and/or awkward postures can lead to several musculoskeletal injuries over time, including:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tendonitis
- Thoracic outlet syndrome
- Epicondylitis
- Eye strain
- DeQuervain’s disease
If your body is stressed or uncomfortable while doing a task, it can ultimately affect your joints, muscles, tendons, nerves, and ligaments. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) can happen quickly due to overload or slowly over time. The solution to preventing this is ergonomics.
It’s a common misconception that workplace ergonomics are costly. In fact, they save your business money because you will have to pay less money associated with employee medical treatment and higher insurance premiums. Indirectly, ergonomics save employers money due to lower absenteeism costs, decreased morale, and increased legal costs.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), employers should reduce workplace MSDs by identifying and controlling hazards. One of the best ways to do this is by implementing ergonomic solutions in your workplace.
Choosing the Right Ergonomic Workstation Cart for Your Needs
Workers in various industries, whether it be warehousing or the medical field, usually operate in high-stress conditions with strict deadlines. They must remain focused and alert at all times to accomplish their goals, prevent mistakes, and avoid injuries.
When using mobile workstations, the design should be comfortable to operate and user-friendly. Here are some of the attributes of ergonomic workstations you’ll want to consider:
1. Easy Adjustability
You’re sure to have employees of different heights and sizes, all with different reaches and preferences. A frame that is easily adjustable allows each worker to quickly set the system’s height and parameters according to their individual preferences and needs.
2. Heavy-Duty Casters
The maneuverability of your cart is critical because it is holding a lot of heavy equipment like batteries, technology, and supplies. If an employee has to strain to push it across the floor, this could result in injuries. The cart should be equipped with heavy-duty casters, making it almost effortless to move the equipment from place to place.
3. Large Handles
Having large handles on the cart is a great consideration because it allows employees to easily control the cart’s movements under various conditions.
4. Retractable or Coiled Power Cords
Having retractable or coiled power cords on your mobile cart is a safety issue. These will prevent cords from dragging on the ground, where they could become a tripping hazard or where a caster could get stuck and cause the cart to tip.
5. Monitor Swivels
The monitors on the mobile cart should have swivel mounts so that there are multiple viewing options. This can prevent eye or neck strain resulting from a fixed-mount monitor.
6. Slide-Out Keyboards
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ust as you would want a slide-out and adjustable keyboard at your stationary desk, you can add the same feature on a mobile workstation to prevent wrist strain and carpal tunnel injuries.
7. Convenient Storage
Depending on the nature of your work, you can design your mobile cart to have convenient storage solutions so frequently used items are within easy reach. For example, you can install hooks to hold wireless headsets or have small drawers for supplies.
To adapt to the continuously changing demands of your workplace, your equipment must perform reliably and be designed so it doesn’t cause injuries or discomfort to your workers. By considering ergonomics when you select your mobile workstations, your workplace will achieve greater efficiencies, more cost savings, and improved overall results.
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