Ergonomic working means minimizing physical strain on your body while working by consciously coordinating your posture, movement, and work environment. This applies both in the office and on the shop floor in a warehouse or production setting. The five most important tips are: maintain proper body posture, set up your workspace ergonomically, avoid overexertion by lifting heavy loads correctly, take sufficient breaks, and use the right tools. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about ergonomics in the workplace.
What is the best posture to maintain while working?
The best working posture is a neutral body position in which the spine remains straight, the shoulders are relaxed, and the joints are in a natural position. This means: back straight, feet flat on the floor, knees bent at an angle of about 90 degrees, and eyes at the same height as the screen or the task at hand. A good ergonomic working posture prevents muscle tension and fatigue.
In practice, the ideal posture is not static but dynamic. The human body is not designed to remain in the same position for hours on end. Therefore, alternate regularly between standing and sitting, and make sure your workspace is set up so that you don’t have to reach, twist, or bend to perform your tasks.
- Back: Maintain the spine’s natural S-curve; avoid bending forward
- Shoulders: let them hang loosely; don’t hunch them up or bend them forward
- Wrists: Keep them straight during repetitive movements such as typing or gripping
- Head: Keep it straight above your shoulders; avoid bending your neck forward
- Feet: place them flat on the floor or on a footrest
In a warehouse or manufacturing environment, good posture is even more important because the physical strain is much greater. Standing hunched over while lifting or twisting with a heavy load are common causes of back pain and other injuries.
How do you set up an ergonomic workspace?
An ergonomic workspace is designed by tailoring all elements of the workspace to the user’s body measurements and tasks. The workbench, tools, storage, and walking routes must be positioned so that the employee has to make as few unnatural movements as possible. This applies to both office environments and industrial workplaces.
When setting up an ergonomic workspace, there are a number of specific points to consider:
- Working height: Adjust the height of the workbench or desk to match the employee’s elbow height
- Accessibility: Keep materials and tools within easy reach to minimize reaching and twisting
- Lighting: Ensure there is sufficient and properly positioned lighting to avoid unnecessary neck strain
- Flooring: Use non-slip mats or ergonomic floor mats in work areas where employees stand for long periods of time
- Space: Ensure there is enough room for employees to move around and change their posture
In warehouses and logistics environments, the layout of the space also plays a major role. Frequently used goods should be stored at a height between knee and shoulder level to minimize lifting. Heavy loads are best stored at a height that allows them to be picked up without bending over or reaching. For specific applications, also check out the material handling solutions that can help with this.
What are the risks of working in a non-ergonomic manner?
Working in a non-ergonomic manner can eventually lead to physical complaints, increased absenteeism, and reduced productivity. The most common consequences include back pain, neck and shoulder problems, RSI (repetitive strain injury), and knee problems. These conditions often develop gradually and are not noticed until they have already become chronic.
The risks are greatest during work involving:
- Repetitive movements in an unnatural position
- Lifting heavy or unwieldy loads without aids
- Standing or sitting for long periods without taking breaks
- Working with vibrating tools or machines
- Insufficient recovery time between physically demanding tasks
The consequences are not just personal. For businesses, musculoskeletal disorders are one of the leading causes of long-term absenteeism. This results in higher costs, the loss of experienced employees, and increased pressure on the rest of the team. Investing in workplace ergonomics is therefore not just a matter of well-being, but also of sound business sense.
How do you lift heavy loads ergonomically?
To lift heavy loads ergonomically, bend your knees instead of your back, keep the load close to your body, and turn using your feet instead of your torso. These are the three basic principles of safe lifting that prevent back injuries. Always combine these with a stable footing and a straight back during the lifting motion.
Proper lifting technique consists of the following steps:
- Assess the load: estimate its weight and check that it is stable and easy to grip
- Position your feet: stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, as close to the load as possible
- Bend your knees: bend your knees, keep your back straight, and tighten your abdominal muscles
- Grab it firmly: hold the load with both hands and keep them close to your body
- Use your legs to lift yourself: push yourself up by straightening your knees, not by arching your back
- Turn with your feet: if you want to change direction, place your feet in the new direction instead of turning your torso
However, even the most proper lifting technique has its limits. For loads that are lifted regularly, exceed a certain weight, or involve repetitive lifting tasks, a technical aid is the only sustainable solution. This is certainly true for pallet handling and other common warehouse tasks.
What tools support ergonomic work practices in a warehouse?
In a warehouse, equipment such as vacuum lifters, pallet trucks, mobile lifters, and ergonomic lifting devices promote ergonomic working by significantly reducing the physical strain on employees. The right equipment depends on the type of load, its weight, the frequency of the task, and the spatial conditions on the work floor.
The most commonly used ergonomic aids in a warehouse are:
- Vacuum lifters and hoists: ideal for lifting flat or smooth objects such as sheets, boxes, and barrels without physical effort
- Pallet trucks: make it easier to move heavy pallets and prevent back strain when pushing and pulling
- Mobile lifters: offer flexible lifting and positioning solutions for a wide range of loads on the shop floor
- Pallet turners: enable the turning or tilting of pallets without manual effort
- Ergonomic workbenches and height-adjustable tables: automatically adjust the work height so that employees always work at the correct height
Choosing the right tool requires a thorough analysis of the workstation. What works for boxes doesn’t necessarily work for bags or rolls. Be sure to check out the available products for a complete overview of your options.
How Logitrans Handling Helps Promote Ergonomic Work Practices
At Logitrans Handling, we guide companies through the entire process of improving workplace ergonomics. Our guiding principle is simple: an ergonomic solution must solve a problem without creating new ones. This means less physical strain on employees, as well as higher productivity and fewer absences due to back pain and sick leave.
What we offer specifically:
- Free workstation analysis: our specialists will analyze your workstation and identify ergonomic issues
- Customized solutions: We recommend the right lifting equipment or system based on your specific needs, whether you’re handling boxes, bags, sheets, pallets, drums, or rolls
- Demonstration area in Drongen: You can test the lifting solutions yourself with your own materials before making a decision
- Training and installation: Upon delivery, we can provide training for users if desired
- Maintenance contracts: We ensure that your material handling equipment remains in top condition for maximum safety and operational continuity
Ergonomic work practices are an investment in your people and in the future of your organization. Would you like to know which solution best suits your situation? Contact us for a no-obligation consultation or a free workstation analysis.
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