Manual handling is a daily reality in the food processing and pharmaceutical industries, but the physical toll it takes on workers can be significant. Fatigue, injury and reduced productivity are common consequences with 543,000 UK workers reported to be suffering from a work-related musculoskeletal disorder in 2023/24*. For employers, this not only impacts staff well-being but also contributes to lost working days and higher costs. The good news is that these risks can be greatly reduced with the right ergonomic furniture and manual handling equipment. From height-adjustable tables to mechanical lifting aids, Teknomek offers a variety of options to help minimise strain and create a safer, more efficient environment for staff. In today’s blog, we explore how businesses can reduce physical strain and minimise the potential for staff injury.
Prioritising comfort
By enhancing worker comfort, employers can expect a higher productivity rate and help avoid periods of staff illness. This was proven by 45% of respondents from COBA Europe’s 2019 study** which identified people taking sick leave as a direct result of standing at work. Of those in the study who invested in anti-fatigue matting as a solution, 68% reported a positive effect on the wellbeing of staff with 86% finding that the anti-fatigue matting helped to reduce pain. In addition to this, the use of anti-fatigue matting can improve muscle activity by 50% compared to standing on hard surfaces, reducing standing fatigue and absenteeism. This small change to the work environment can make a huge difference to worker health, productivity and happiness. You can find out more about our range of safety matting here.
Ergonomic tables
Adjust the height of work stations to suit the individual using Teknomek’s popular ergonomic tables. Preventing back pain during long shifts, these tables use a manual hydraulic system to change the height within a 300mm range with the option of either manual or electronic operation. Adapt the height using a hand crank (manual) or push-button spindle system (electric) for smooth movement with synchronous lifting providing stability.
Adjustable seating
We offer a wide range of hygienic seating to suit every work environment from labs and cleanrooms to food production areas. From chairs and stools to sit-stand designs, we offer seating to suit the task at hand without compromising movement or impacting motor skills.
Our heavy-duty PU chair can be fully adjusted to suit its user with armrest and synchro mechanism add-ons. Laboratory environments and medical settings may also benefit from our saddle stools during tasks which require hunching over patients or lab samples.
This ergonomic saddle-shaped stool uses 3D dynamics to encourage a healthy posture by supporting the spine's natural S-shape with an ideal 135-degree angle between the upper and lower body. It’s worth noting that the saddle stool is available in a lab or cleanroom version depending on ISO requirements.
Equipment that prevents injury
The best protection against manual handling injuries is to reduce room for physical error. Where possible, managers should opt for equipment that aids the lifting and handling of heavy items, such as our tote bin tipper and washers. By reducing the physical strain of manual tasks, businesses not only protect staff but also sustain long-term productivity. From height-adjustable tables and seating to anti-fatigue matting and handling equipment, Teknomek’s hygienic, ergonomic solutions are designed to make workplaces safer, more comfortable and fully compliant with industry standards. If you’d like to discuss how we can support your business, please get in touch with the Teknomek team today by emailing mail@teknomek.co.uk or call us on +44 (0)1603 788 833.
