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Ergonomics & Productivity in the Distribution Center

It goes without saying that productivity should be a key area of focus in the distribution center. After all, a productive DC is a profitable DC. But productivity doesn’t always mean harder work. In the words of the late Henry Ford, “Improved productivity means less sweat – not more.” That’s where ergonomics, the practice of designing the job to fit the worker, comes into play.

Ergonomics & Productivity in the Distribution Center

Ergonomics

Office Ergonomics: How to Arrange a Computer Workstation

If you’re an office worker, arranging your computer workstation correctly is an important first step to care for your overall health and well-being. A poorly designed workstation can have bad long-term effects on your health and your productivity. Back pain, hand/wrist pain, and pain in the neck and shoulders are common problems for office workers. This is preventable. Read on to learn how to arrange your computer workstation for less fatigue and discomfort and greater productivity.

Office Ergonomics: How to Arrange a Computer Workstation

Ergonomics Principle: Raise and/or tilt objects being viewed to keep neck more upright

Adjusting the height and/or tilt of an item allows the worker to keep his/her head in a more neutral positon, thus reducing neck discomfort and muscle fatigue. See this handout from the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries for quick tips and use cases on keeping the neck more upright.

Ergonomics Principle: Raise and/or tilt objects being viewed to keep neck more upright

Workplace Athlete Health

Introducing the Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) Risk Spectrum

The more risk factors a worker is exposed to, the more likely they are going to develop a musculoskeletal imbalance that results in an MSD. Think about it. As a worker is introduced to more MSD risk factors, the quicker their body gets fatigued and the less likely they are able to recover fast enough.

Introducing the Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) Risk Spectrum

Watch Your Back

From boxes of paper near the printer to large packages in the mailroom, office settings contain a number of objects – some quite heavy – that require manual lifting. Are you following safe lifting practices? It’s important to know how to lift the right way. According to the 2017 edition of Injury Facts, a National Safety Council chartbook, more than 300,000 cases of sprains, strains or tears resulted in days away from work in 2014.

Watch Your Back: The right way to lift objects

Safety Leadership

Should Safety Pros Work Themselves Out Of Their Jobs?

“Dear fellow safety professional, please abandon the idea you should work yourself out of a job. When you say this, you reinforce the idea your job is to reduce risk rather than add value. The two are not interchangeable.”

Should Safety Pros Work Themselves Out Of Their Jobs?