Ergonomic packaging
Word has long since got around that ergonomics is not just a bonus point for companies that are socially aware. More and more companies are waking up to the fact that investing in more ergonomic working is worthwhile across the board. Because what starts with making work easier ends with clear, measurable benefits for the entire company.
What does ergonomics mean?
The term ergonomics comes from ancient Greek and translates to "the study of work". Modern ergonomics strives to harmonize all aspects of work and to optimize them in terms of time and space so that the result is optimal in terms of quality and economy and at the same time workers suffer as little fatigue or even injury as possible. In addition to this so-called macroergonomics, microergonomics is also becoming increasingly important, which aims to optimize tools in order to design them in such a way that work can be carried out as efficiently and easily as possible.
The Polish scientist Wojciech Jastrzębowski is generally regarded as the founding father of ergonomics. Jastrzębowski was interested in how scientific findings and possibilities could be linked to the needs of the industry and published the groundbreaking article "Grundriß der Ergonomie, Wissenschaft oder Lehre von der Arbeit" ("Outline of ergonomics, the science or study of work") in 1857.
In short, ergonomics is the combination of our knowledge of how the human body works and the requirements of the economy to form an optimal solution.
What advantages do companies gain from ergonomic packaging?
Ergonomics not only focuses on the employee, but also strikes the optimum balance between making work easier and results economically efficient. This results in benefits for the entire company. Ergonomic packaging results in a healthier way of working for users with less strain and less pain. As a result, accidents and sick leave can be minimized. In addition, the error rate is reduced thanks to safer and more motivated work in a better working environment. All this results in a high productivity which is not achieved at the expense of the employees.
Is ergonomics regulated by law?
Ergonomics is not only a must for companies because it pays off economically in the end - it is also required by German law to protect workers. Important legal passages here are §3a (1) ArbStättV and §6 (1) BetrSichV.
§3a (1) Arbeitsstättenverordnung (Workplace regulations)
The employer must ensure that workplaces are set up and operated in such a way that hazards to the safety and health of employees are avoided as far as possible and any remaining hazards are kept to a minimum. When setting up and operating workplaces, the employer shall [...] take into account the ergonomic requirements [...].
§6 (1) Betriebssicherheitsverodnung (Industrial Health and Safety regulations)
The employer must ensure that work equipment is used safely and that the principles of ergonomics are observed.
What makes for an ergonomic packing station?
Everything the packer needs is within easy and quick reach at an ergonomic packing station. Ideally, all tools and materials are within the packer's comfortable reach. In order to create an optimally ergonomic packing station, the packing processes that are to take place there must be analyzed in detail. Who will be working at the space? Which tools and materials need to be within easy reach? How large and heavy are the packages? Particularly ergonomic components of a packing station are, amongst others, integrated filling and cushioning systemswhich can be individually adjusted to ensure that the right amount of packing paper or air cushioning is always to hand. Mobile table solutions as well as mobile containers or overhead installations are possible.
Can hand stretch film be ergonomic?
The manual wrapping of pallets with stretch film is an ergonomic weak point in many warehouses: the packers walk backwards around the pallet in a very stooped position, which firstly puts a lot of strain on the back and secondly prevents the packer from recognizing potential hazards or obstacles early enough. In addition, working in this unnatural position means that optimum load unit securing cannot be achieved. When pallets are very high, there is the additional problem that the packer has to exert a great deal of effort to get over the pallet with the film roll.
As an innovative solution for this, companies around the world now use Grip Systems®. With this innovatively designed hand stretch film dispenser, packers can wrap pallets while walking forwards and massively reducing back bending. Easy handling and use in a natural posture allows the packer to concentrate fully on the actual wrapping and thus achieve optimum load unit securing.
Can packing tape be ergonomic?
Not much has changed in the basic design of packing tape dispensers for nearly a century. While taping a carton, the wrist is angled at more than 50°. Considerable exertion is again required when cutting off the tape, which includes another strong bending of the wrist. Unfortunately, this often results in repetitive strain injury syndrome or other injuries (tendinitis, epicondylitis), as the muscles are very often subjected to the same type of strain and therefore wear out.
This is where the innovative ZeroTape® packing tape system comes in, which drastically reduces the strain on the wrist. This makes taping easier, faster and more ergonomic. Due to more meters per roll, up to two thirds of roll changes can be saved.
If you would like to make your packing processes more ergonomic, we will be happy to advise you. Contact us now!
