Workplace ergonomics is crucial for employee well-being and productivity. Improper posture and a poorly designed workspace can cause disruptive sprains, strains, and tears in the body. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics cites these as some of the most common types of work-related injuries.
Not only can workplace injuries be debilitating and painful, but they are also costly for employers in terms of productivity and poor workplace culture. Fortunately, employers can prevent these types of workplace injuries with the help of workplace ergonomics.
Our adjustable mobile workstations are designed to help reduce strain and fatigue by allowing workers to position monitors, keyboards, and other components optimally. Discover how ergonomic mobile workstations can enhance comfort, increase productivity, and contribute to a healthier work environment.
Why Employee Comfort in the Workplace is Essential
While it’s commonly understood that we need to be comfortable to relax in our leisure time, it’s become increasingly evident that employees must also be comfortable to be productive. Still, many businesses overlook the importance of physical comfort and end up losing real talent or suffering in other ways because of it.
If working conditions pose any risk of injury, OSHA actually requires that most employers take measures to mitigate these hazards. Being OSHA-compliant is only one benefit of focusing on employee comfort, however. Another reason is that you will likely have reduced injuries and higher productivity rates.
Most businesses understand that their workers are their greatest assets. Even when employees feel fairly compensated, they may not stick around if their working conditions aren’t comfortable. Making this area of the business a priority shows you value your staff and their contributions.
The Concept of Workplace Ergonomics
Ergonomics can broadly be defined as the study of people in their working environment. Specifically, the goal of ergonomics is to reduce discomfort and eliminate the risk of injury caused by work.
According to the International Ergonomics Association (IEA), “Ergonomics (or human factors) is the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of the interaction among human and other elements of a system, and the profession that applies theory, principles, data and methods to design in order to optimize human well-being and overall system performance.”
When evaluating or designing a job, you should look for three main areas that are considered ergonomic stressors: any static or awkward working postures necessary to complete the task, any repetitive motion necessary for the task, and the force required for the task. Any one or a combination of these factors could place a worker at risk of discomfort or injury.
How Adjustable Mobile Workstations Provide Ergonomic Solutions
Employees in warehouses, medical facilities, and a host of other industries are asked to type, lift, bend, and reach multiple times throughout their shifts, which makes them susceptible to developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders and cumulative trauma disorders. Fortunately, investments in ergonomically designed adjustable workstations can preserve the health and well-being of these workers and help businesses improve their overall results.
Benefits of Height-Adjustable Mobile Workstations
Similar to working in an office, proper posture and comfort are essential for workers in every workplace setting. Whether your employee is standing on a factory floor, in a clinic, or working in a large warehouse, ergonomics matter.
Due to the physically demanding nature of many of these positions, workers are often in uncomfortable or awkward working positions, which can lead to injuries and poor morale. Height-adjustable workstations use actuator systems that are able to accommodate a wider range of body heights and types. They can also reliably handle heavy and diverse loads.
One of the other benefits of adjustable mobile workstations is that it doesn’t take a lot of time or know-how to get the configuration “just right.” With a simple press of a button, a worker can reduce how much they have to bend over to see a screen or reach for materials.
What Makes a Workstation Mobile?
Mobile workstations put items that would usually be stationary, like computers, printers, and scanners on a wheeled, battery-powered cart. Employees can transport these items anywhere they need them in the workplace, such as around a medical clinic, throughout a warehouse, or across a factory floor.
Aside from the wheels, what makes these workstations mobile are the large batteries that power them. There are generally multiple options for powering mobile carts: lead or lithium, fixed or swappable.
If you want the lightest-weight and longest-lasting batteries on your carts, you’ll probably want to choose a lithium-based power system. Even though they cost a bit more upfront, these batteries offer up to an 8x longer lifespan than sealed lead acid (SLA) batteries, which makes them more economical in the long run. The good news is that you have many options and can swap out your batteries to have your workstation always online for your workers.
Other Ergonomic and Useful Features of Mobile Workstations
Another great thing about mobile workstations is that they are entirely configurable. Depending on your industry and your needs, you can outfit one of these carts with technology, equipment, or storage so that it is most useful. Some additional features of mobile workstations that make them useful and unique include:
- Adjustable keyboards
- Multiple monitor mounts
- Optional seating
- Lockable storage
- Waste disposal system
- Heavy-duty casters
Employee well-being and proper ergonomics are just as critical as following the safety standards in your workplace. Although the use of automation is becoming more widespread, many tasks still require human workers. When your business emphasizes ergonomic design for worker comfort, it will also achieve greater productivity and employee satisfaction.
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