Singapore English
Man working on a workbench with conveyor systems supplying material

Learn more about ergonomics

View guidebook

Ergonomics in production

From the right settings for the respective body height and the ideal reaching distance for tools through to taking the individual vision area and optimum lighting into account – the more ergonomic correct the setup of workstations, the more motivated and productive your employees will be.

Poor posture or a badly lit workstation cannot only lead to premature fatigue, but also illness-related absences. You can avoid this with the adaptable workstation systems from Bosch Rexroth.

You benefit from:

  • Bosch Rexroth’s many years of experience in the ergonomic design of workstations according to EN ISO 6385
  • the comprehensive and individually adaptable product range for designing your ergonomic workstations
  • the “ManModel” in MTpro enables you to ergonomically adapt workstations to the individual workers – with the perfect grab area, the right distance to equipment, and the ideal angle of vision.



The 8 ergonomic ground rules for workstation systems

Ergonomically designed workstations mean increased motivation and satisfaction, higher performance and work quality, as well as fewer absences due to illness. In short: A huge plus when it comes to productivity, efficiency, and a decisive edge over the competition – thus ensuring lasting success for your company.

The eight ergonomic ground rules help you to layout and design ergonomic workstations and flow rack systems:


Bosch Rexroth Graphic of eight ground rules in one picture
  • Bosch Rexroth graphic of people with different body and working heights

    Body height and working height

  • Bosch Rexroth graphic of a woman sitting at an adjustable workstation in an ideal working position

    Work area

  • Bosch Rexroth graphic showing the perfect grab area for a healthy seating position

    Grab area

  • Bosch Rexroth graphic showing parts supply for an ergonomic workplace

    Parts supply

  • Bosch Rexroth graphic which shows ergonomic vision area at healthy workplace

    Vision areas

  • Bosch Rexroth graphic of a woman sitting at an optimally illuminated workplace

    Lighting

  • Bosch Rexroth graphic of ergonomic seating at adjustable workstation

    Adjustment of work equipment

  • Graphic of a computer which shows the MTpro planning software

    Planning aids

Bosch Rexroth graphic of people with different body and working heights
Bosch Rexroth graphic of people with different body and working heights

Body height and working height

The optimum working height is based on the body height and the type of activity to be performed. The average optimum working height for average requirements is 1125 mm for sit-down/stand-up workstations.

Bosch Rexroth graphic of a woman sitting at an adjustable workstation in an ideal working position
Bosch Rexroth graphic of a woman sitting at an adjustable workstation in an ideal working position

Work area

The work area should be between 800 mm and 1500 mm high. Working above heart level and bending put employees under disproportionate strain. Dynamic activities (e.g. a combination of standing and sitting) are preferable.

Bosch Rexroth graphic showing the perfect grab area for a healthy seating position
Bosch Rexroth graphic showing the perfect grab area for a healthy seating position

Grab area

Easy access to all the materials required at the workstation must be guaranteed. Torso rotations and shoulder movements, particularly when under exertion should be avoided.

Bosch Rexroth graphic showing parts supply for an ergonomic workplace
Bosch Rexroth graphic showing parts supply for an ergonomic workplace

Parts supply

All grab distances should be as short as possible. Grab containers and parts containers placed in direct reach of the employee are therefore ideal.

Bosch Rexroth graphic which shows ergonomic vision area at healthy workplace
Bosch Rexroth graphic which shows ergonomic vision area at healthy workplace

Vision areas

Unnecessary head and eye movements should be avoided. Maintaining objects at a uniform distance to the worker's eyes eliminates the need for refocusing. Avoid joining points that are not visible to the worker.

Bosch Rexroth graphic of a woman sitting at an optimally illuminated workplace
Bosch Rexroth graphic of a woman sitting at an optimally illuminated workplace

Lighting

The right light, adapted to the activity at the workstation, is a basic prerequisite for high efficiency and processing quality. Optimum lighting prevents premature fatigue, improves concentration, and reduces the risk of errors.

Bosch Rexroth graphic of ergonomic seating at adjustable workstation
Bosch Rexroth graphic of ergonomic seating at adjustable workstation

Adjustment of work equipment

Correct adjustment of the equipment serves to minimize required movements, thus reducing physical exertion and employee absences.

Graphic of a computer which shows the MTpro planning software
Graphic of a computer which shows the MTpro planning software

Planning aids

Available planning aids include the Ergonomics Checklist and the Planning Template. You can then use MTpro to do your technical designing.

Ergonomics & Efficiency at manual workstations

Chapter Body

Chapter Movement

Chapter Vision

Chapter Planning

Complex Assembly Line for valves at Bosch Rexroth customer SFB

Need further advice?

Our sales team is an expert in helping you with ergonomic questions. We will help you to find the best solution, fitting to your needs. Feel free to contact us.

Contact form