Production Ergonomics

Workstation knowledgebase
See also: How to design a workstation

[Only "Fixtures" is linked on this sample page]

Fixtures: bench top

  • backstop
  • pins
  • cradle
  • quick release
  • powered clamps
  • tiltable fixture
  • ball joints
  • rotating

Fixtures: free-standing

  • shop stands
  • positioner stands
  • pedestals
  • trunnions
  • work positioner
  • programmable positioner
  • upender fixture
  • welding jig

Height adjustment

  • risers
  • blocks/leg extensions
  • set screws/slide bolts
  • pedestals
  • pneumatic spring lifts
  • hand cranks
  • push button

Visual Access

  • heights, reaches, orientation
  • layout and location
  • guides and markers
  • mirrors
  • visibility

Lighting

  • overhead
  • task lighting
  • standard fluorescent
  • light boxes
  • head lights
  • special tasks
  • fiber-optic and LED

Magnification

  • basic magnifiers
  • light magnifiers
  • video systems
  • loupes
 

Parts handling

  • design to slide
  • minimize distances
  • parts stands
  • parts presenters
  • orient for use
  • parts holders
 

Storage

  • 5S
  • casters
  • shelf heights
  • articulating arms
  • carousels
  • lateral sliding bins
  • aprons
 

Surface size

  • minimize surface dimensions
  • eliminate the surface
  • temporary additional space
  • cutouts
 

Surface material

  • matte
  • low friction
  • high friction
  • special
  • thickness
 

Slanted surface

  • benchtop stands
  • slanted bench
  • slanted production line
  • slanted machine orientation
 

Standing platforms

  • basic
  • stackable
  • drop down/swing out
  • rack style
  • portable step platforms
  • hand crank
  • powered, large & small
 

Arm supports

  • ledges
  • articulating arm
  • slanted supports
  • designed into machine
  • bench edge cushioning
  • small benchtop cushions
 

Clearance

  • thin surfaces
  • raise heights
  • indents and recesses
  • extend controls
 

Sit-stand

  • standing height with tall stool
  • adjustable workstation
 

Seating

  • features of a good chair
  • lumbar support
  • slant vs. right angle
  • lean stands
 

Flooring

  • woodblock
  • wood decking
  • grating
  • anti-fatigue mats
  • rubber sidewalk
 

Footrests

  • sitting or standing
  • box
  • step stool
  • rocking
  • adjustable height
  • chair ring
  • built-in
 

Layouts

  • the basics
  • 5S
  • flow
  • strategies for arrangement
 

Temperature

  • fresh air ducts
  • cold air deflectors
  • evaporative coolers
  • big ceiling fans 

  Specific applications

Conveyor workstations

  • placement of tools & materials
  • rotators
  • tilters
  • integrated lifts
  • integrated upenders
  • knee clearance
  • the moving line
 

Packing stations

  • bagging
  • boxing
  • shrink wrap
  • tape dispensers
  • label dispensers
 

Packing: Taping and labeling

  • label peelers
  • label dispensers
  • paper tape dispensers
  • clear tape dispensers
  • taping/labeling machines
 

Packing: Stretch wrap

  • long handle dispenser
  • walk around dispensers
  • automatic wrappers
   

Assembly of large metal cabinets

  • panel handling
  • cabinet manipulation
  • movement
  • work platforms