Why Is Workplace Ergonomics Important in Manufacturing?

Anyone who has ever had to perform demanding physical work knows this: Repetitive movements, which may also be performed incorrectly, quickly lead to physical (and mental) exhaustion. They also increase the risk of injury and occupational illnesses. However, if the work environment is set up optimally—that is, ergonomically, staff are trained and can move as variedly as possible during manufacturing activities, the risk of injuries, occupational illnesses and illness-related absence is significantly lower. Reason enough for us at Shoes For Crews to take a closer look at the topic.  

A Brief Outline of the History

As a concept, “ergonomics,” from the Greek terms ergon (work) and nomos (rule, law), is closely linked to the Industrial Revolution and the resulting development of modern manufacturing, so it is worth taking a look at history.

1. Increasing Industrial Production Through “Taylorism”

In 1911, the American Frederick Winslow Taylor (1856–1915) defined the principle now known as Taylorism, which was intended to increase economic production: “The aim is to increase the productivity of human labour. This is achieved by dividing work into the smallest units, requiring little or no thought to complete and which, due to their limited scope or work content, can be repeated quickly and repetitively.” Alongside its obvious benefits for industrial production, however, this principle subsequently received strong criticism: “In discussions about the humanisation of work, Taylorism is regarded as the epitome of inhumane work design, as its characteristics include [...] one-sided strain caused by repeatedly identical movement patterns (monotony), external control, minimal work content and, as a result, underutilisation of people's physical and psychological abilities.” But how did this criticism arise? 

2. Criticism of Working Conditions and the Emergence of the Term Ergonomics

Workers increasingly found the conditions under which they had to toil in industrial operations unacceptable. One example is the timing of every individual work step with a stopwatch, established through Taylorism. We have already outlined elsewhere how these and other injustices and inhumane practices increasingly led to worker protests. One thing is certain so far: we can see that workers were resisting inhumane working conditions that placed unnecessary strain on the body. And the development of the concept of ergonomics is closely connected to this. At the end of the 19th century, Wojciech Jastrzebowski mentioned the term ergonomics for the first time in his treatise, “The Outline of Ergonomics, i.e. Science of Work, Based upon the truths drawn from the Science of Nature.” In the same year, the journal Nature and Industry quoted his definition as follows: Ergonomics is a scientific approach that enables us to reap the best fruits from this life with the least effort and the greatest satisfaction for our own and the common good. However, this far more humane view of how production should be designed required another half century or so before it was further developed conceptually and found its way into manufacturing as a fundamental principle of workplace design. 

3. Ergonomics From the Mid-20th Century to the Modern Era

In England, around the middle of the 20th century, the so-called Ergonomics Research Society was established. It researched “the relationships between people and their work, work equipment and environment, particularly by applying anatomical, physiological and psychological knowledge to the resulting problems.” Social, scientific and political developments in the second half of the 20th century further advanced ergonomics research. Workers' rights, emancipation, humane work concepts, new technologies, individualisation and preventive concepts occupied a major place in public discourse. The results of each discussion were subsequently reflected in the world of work. Today, the priorities of health, safety and economic efficiency form the cornerstones of the modern concept of ergonomics. Now that we know the foundations of the term, we can move on to how these should be implemented specifically in a modern manufacturing operation to protect your employees, keep them motivated and ensure economic efficiency at the same time. 

Ergonomic Workplace Design in the 21st Century

In summary, workplace ergonomics in manufacturing is essential to reduce the risk of injuries, occupational illnesses and illness-related absence, while also enabling the most efficient and economical production possible. The employers' liability insurance association provides specific guidance on how to achieve this: “Tasks requiring force are easier to carry out close to the body. This also applies to tasks requiring high precision. In addition to a short viewing distance, arm supports are also useful here. Ideally, freely selectable and alternating body postures should be possible at a workstation.” The following key points should also be considered:

• Movement through standing and sitting: Regularly alternating between sitting and standing helps prevent muscle inactivity, tension and monotonous postures.
• Working height: Work items should be positioned wherever possible so that work can be carried out in an upright, natural posture.
• Freedom of movement: Taking the recommended dimensions for the design of assembly workstations into account helps avoid forced postures, makes work easier and improves employees' wellbeing, which can also lead to increased efficiency.
• Work environment: Temperature, humidity and noise levels must remain within tolerance values acceptable to people.

But what if manufacturing work cannot be performed while seated, or can only be performed to a limited extent? In this case, it is particularly important to provide employees with footwear designed for prolonged standing. At Shoes For Crews, we continually develop innovative solutions to improve the comfort of our shoes, so your employees are protected and can reach their full potential. If you would like to learn more, please feel free to contact us at any time.