The world is currently in the midst of its 4th Industrial Revolution, which is being driven by automation and information. The rise of the use of robotics in numerous industries has caused real concern for the future of many jobs. According to Pew Research, 72% of Americans express wariness or concern about a world where machines perform many of the tasks done by humans.

Though it’s undeniable that more and more tasks are becoming automated, and that this trend will only rise as technology advances, the end of the human workforce is far from nigh. Prophetic claims of the extermination of the human workforce have been greatly exaggerated.

The rise of robots

There are many things that robots can do better than humans. They will always have the advantage when it comes to tasks that involve heavy lifting, precise motions and exact repetitions. They possess more strength, endurance and accuracy than humans, which has resulted in the loss of numerous manufacturing jobs. Another advantage of robots in the thankfully more safety-conscious present day is an ability to work in hazardous environments.

Beyond the manufacturing industry, automation is growing in a variety of sectors. Widely known are the self-checkout tills in supermarkets and service kiosks in retail, but robots have also been introduced in several surprising workplaces. In hospitals, robots have been delivering trays of food and drugs, cleaning linens, disposing of waste, and safely lifting patients for a number of years. In 2014, the University of Birmingham introduced its first ever robot security guard, Bob. Bob stands at 5 feet 10 inches tall and scans rooms to detect anything out of the ordinary. In South Korea, children are even learning English from a robot teacher, Engkey. The trend of introducing robots into new, unexpected vocations isn’t going away anytime soon.

The human touch

Robots may well be taking over a number of jobs, but there will always be a need for human intervention between the jobs that robots do, and those jobs operated by technical and operational teams. Automation alone is not the best way to increase productivity. Striking the right balance of a human and robot workforce is the modern path to success in manufacturing. It is important to recognise the advantages us homo sapiens have over our mechanical counterparts. For example, robots excel when it comes to prescribed tasks but typically cannot handle unexpected situations. They are also unable to improve on the job without reprogramming as they are unable to learn from situations in the same way we can. And if a robot malfunctions, fixing the issue not only costs money but time too.

The automotive industry was among the first to truly embrace the widespread use of robots on factory floors. In this sector, there are a number of case studies that prove companies cannot simply replace people with machines and expect instant results. An appreciation of the types of tasks robots do more effectively, and in contrast the jobs that require the human touch is the key to success. Leading car companies have almost completely automated their paint and body shops. These types of jobs require constant repetition and consistent quality. On the contrary, assembly lines, which deal with the vast amount of options in today’s customised vehicle market, rely heavily on people due to the flexibility and personal touch required. An ability to understand the costs involved in automation is also a deciding factor when it comes to the success or failure of a business. One European auto plant that invested 10 million euros in technology that would install windshields on cars on the assembly line, replacing the people who once did the job. They were initially more consistent, but it turned out that maintaining such highly sophisticated technology required twice as many workers as company had employed in the first place.

Due to the growing number of robots and automated systems in manufacturing facilities, more maintenance and technical work is required to make sure they are operating efficiently. This is creating a real need for multi-skilled people who can operate, monitor and maintain machines, as well as repair them when they malfunction.

Head counts have not plummeted in the most proactive, future-ready and cost-effective operations, but workers are now expected to possess a wider array of skills. A more automated assembly line means that businesses will require their employees to be multi-skilled and technically savvy.

Getting the most out of your non-robotic workers

With more pressure on modern-day employees to be multi-skilled and productive, it is key to ensure that they have a working environment which allows them to perform to their full capabilities. It’s no use hiring someone with a plethora of skills if their workspace prevents them from utilising them. Human Workspace can help your business maximise its potential with a full workplace assessment. We can then tailor solutions and equipment to suit your needs and help you grow.

Want to know more?

Find out how we help our customers increase their productivity and become future-proof, then give us a call on 01273 704520 to chat about your needs.

Sit-stand desks have been a huge topic in office ergonomics for years, but it seems there has been much less talk of introducing them to the industrial workplace. Research into the risks of sitting in front of a computer all day was the catalyst for a change in office environments, but it can be argued that the type of work completed by manufacturing workers demands a greater need for an adjustable workstation.

Risks of a sedentary job

Whether working in an office or on an assembly line, any primarily sedentary job puts an employee at risk of a number of health issues. Studies link sedentary lifestyles with an increase in cardiovascular disease, diabetes and some cancers. In fact, 3.2 million deaths a year are related to physical inactivity, making it the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality. The term ‘sitting disease’ has even been coined by the scientific community, commonly being used when referring to metabolic syndrome.

A study published by the American College of Sports Medicine (2009) found that those who sat the most had a 50% increased risk of early death, regardless of fitness levels. It is a common misconception that exercise can compensate for too much sitting. Low intensity activities such as standing and walking are much more important than most people realise. These low-level activities play a crucial metabolic role and account for more of our daily energy expenditure than moderate-to-high intensity activities.

Benefits of a sit-stand workstation in an industrial workplace

To help eliminate the risks of a sedentary working lifestyle it is recommended that employees initially aim for 2 hours of standing a day, eventually progressing to 4 hours. This can take time to get used to and prolonged static standing postures should be avoided; no more than 45 minutes at a time is recommended. General benefits of less sedentary lifestyles include: an extra 0.5-2 kcal burned per minute, a reduction in muscular-skeletal discomfort (e.g. lower back pain), the reduced risk of cardio-metabolic diseases and premature mortality, a reduction in the risk of fat deposited around vital organs, and an increase in energy levels.

In an industrial environment, it may not be possible to complete certain types of work when standing, however an adjustable workstation can still provide many benefits. Compared to office work, manufacturing work can put a greater stress on the body for a number of reasons such as the level of force exerted, a repetition of tasks and vibration from tools. This type of work may also require awkward postures and finer movements in order to complete a task effectively. These factors mean that in order to live a healthy working lifestyle, a comfortable workstation is imperative. The amount of workplace injuries in manufacturing is statistically significantly higher in comparison to most other industries. The only industries with a higher workplace industry rate all involve outdoors or off-site work (e.g. agriculture, transport and construction).

An adjustable workstation can alleviate a number of risks leading to these injuries. The workstation can be set to suit the type of work being completed. For example, it is recommended that the surface is set above elbow height for fine visual work and below elbow height for tasks requiring downward force or heavy physical effort. Roles that involve shift work with multiple workers using the same workstations will greatly benefit from the ability to adjust the height to suit their needs and preferences.

An ergonomic workstation not only benefits the individual but will also result in an increase in productivity and an improvement in quality of work. Healthier employees mean a decrease in absenteeism and an increase in morale. Plus, a company that proves they are committed to the health of their employees will show that health and safety is a core value and can attract a higher calibre of worker.

How we can help

At Human Workspace, we pride ourselves on our expertise in workplace ergonomics. We provide ergonomic assessments of workplaces, which may sound clinical, but it is essential to get to know the individuals in a workplace in order to understand what they do and how we can benefit them personally. Whether it’s a shop floor, assembly line, tool workstation or an office, we are confident we can provide the right equipment and advice to provide long-term benefits which will maximise comfort and efficiency. Our range of sit-stand workstations can be tailor-made to suit your needs.

Want to know more?

Watch how an adjustable workstation improved the working lives of Daisy and Gintare from our admin team. Or give us a call on 01273 704520 to chat about your needs.

 

Ergonomics literally means: “designed for humans”. Well, technically, it’s “the study of people’s efficiency in their working environment”, but let’s not split hairs: it’s all about making working environments suitable for human habitation.

This all might seem like common sense, but it’s surprising how often people aren’t really considered in the workplace design and construction. We see you, non-adjustable desk – get out of our sight.

The truth is a lot of people just don’t think about it when they’re setting up a workplace: a few workstations, some stools, tools – that’ll do. But just like a laptop that you use once and never recharge, there’s no point in putting perfectly useful Homo sapiens in a work environment that drains them from the moment they step through the door.

This is where workplace ergonomics come to the fore. If you think of your workers first, you’ll reap the rewards, so a proper ergonomically informed setup is key to any successful business. Here are just some of the ways that building your space around your humans can help your business’ productivity.

1.      It makes your employees healthier

One of the most obvious impacts of bad workplace design is on the physical health of your employees. Ergonomically designed workplaces can help reduce stress and decrease repetition, which – if you’ve been keeping up-to-date with our blog – you’ll know can cause back pain and other issues that lead to sickness and reduced productivity. Bad workplace design might mean that employees have to bend, twist, or lift heavy objects. Healthy employees are (more likely to be) happy employees, which also means…

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Healthy employees are happier employees

2.      It can help you keep your best staff

Keeping your top players not only means retaining their expertise and, ahem, ‘know-how’; it means that you don’t end up in a vicious cycle whereby you spend time – the precious working hours of your trained employees – and money training new staff to get them up to the standards of your other employees, only for them to leave in under a year. The implications for your productivity are obvious: new staff are often less productive until they’re trained, meaning that your other employees have to take on some of the load, which also reduces their capacity to do their own jobs.

3.      It inspires creativity

Creativity is important to your business, no matter what you do. It really just means ‘new ideas’ and new ideas can help across your business – from improving a particular manufacturing method, to new product development, new ways to work with your customers and more. If you don’t have creativity in your business then you’re like a speedboat without an engine; you can bob around where you’re are, but you’re not going anywhere new.

Good workplace design can reduce the strain on employees, freeing up their brains to do their thing, whilst properly designed spaces can enable collaboration, aiding the creative process. If you think this doesn’t seem apply to factory design, think about your communal spaces.

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Properly designed workspaces can free employees to be creative

4.      It can make people feel more comfortable at work

Properly designed collaborative spaces can enhance creativity and productivity, but that’s not to say every space should be out in the open. Studies have shown that people work better if they have a sense of privacy in their own space. Mental health is as important as physical health to employee wellbeing and productivity; good workplace design takes account of all human factors.

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Employees who feel comfortable and relaxed are much more productive

5.      It shortens processes

Or reduces “cycle time”, per this little ditty from the International Journal of Engineering and Technology (IJET). And shorter processes throughout the chain means a faster overall process, which in turn means that manufacturing volume can increase.

6.      It increases quality

By making processes easier to carry out, and more repeatable, people are less likely to make errors.  This leads to less rework (i.e. putting right what once went wrong) and increases the number of widgets that get sent to customers, thereby increasing your bottom line.  So, with proper ergonomic processes in place, Dr. Sam need never have stepped into the Quantum Leap Accelerator.

7.      It keeps you up to date

A properly designed workplace can evolve and embrace new technology to improve. This might be through the machine technology or it might be the latest industrial furniture – being at the cutting edge means that you’re always pushing the top line of productivity, ready to improve.

Want to know more?

Find out how we help DeSoutter increase their productivity, then give us a call on 01273 704520 to chat about your needs.

Back problems are a major pain in the posterior for employers and employees alike, with musculoskeletal problems accounting for 41% of all workplace illnesses in the UK in 2015/16 according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

In the UK, back pain was responsible for an astonishing 3,417,000 lost working days in 2015/16 (HSE), with manual handling (that is: lifting stuff) the most common cause of issues. So why is work so uncomfortable for so many people?

Most workplace problems aren’t a symptom of chronic back issues, such as sciatica (when the big nerve down your back and legs acts up), slipped discs, arthritis or whiplash, but by inflammation and pinched nerves. This is good news because it means that small changes can make a really big difference, but it also makes workplace back pain a ubiquitous problem because it can affect otherwise healthy people.

So why do back problems occur?

One of the reasons back problems are so common is that the back is directly involved in most physical movements. For most of us, our backs are just something that we sling a bag on; we don’t give much thought to how it works day to day. But your back is made of incredibly complex structures with interlinking bones, cartilage, muscles and nerves; one kink or strain can affect the functional abilities of your back and, by extension, your whole body! Think about that next time you hang a heavy rucksack over one shoulder.

In the workplace, Spine-health identify two main groups of back injury: non-accidental injury is pain caused by a person’s everyday activity, such as through repetitive motion or bad posture. It’s easy to look at these things as inherently preventable but the truth is, everybody slouches, despite what your teacher used to say. The second group, accidental injury, refers to one-off events, like overstretching, twisting, or when a heavy load shifts during lifting.

Back injuries at work can be caused by both too much heavy activity, particularly at the end of your range of motion, and a lack of activity. Many work environments require people to be in the same position for hours at a time, but spending too long in the same position diminishes the elasticity of muscles, ligaments and tendons in the back, so it can go from being that ache that you complain about at the end of the day to something more long term.

It’s all about you

As with many medical issues, it’s really all about the individual and their environment. It’s important to correctly assess risk factors on an individual basis, enabling you to identify both repeated and unique issues across the workplace.

Sophie Wearing, an occupational therapist with experience in workplace health issues, said: “When planning your workspace, it’s important to consider people’s individual health conditions and needs, their tolerance and stamina, as different people’s capabilities will impact how their workplace affects their health.

For example, in the case of back injuries, as with so much in life, it really is better to be young: the incidence rate of back injuries among 16-34-year-olds is significantly lower than for those in the 45-54 and 55+ age group. But a person’s age is just one of the factors that needs to be considered in an ergonomic assessment of a workplace, you also need to work out what people’s individual risk points are: are they staying in the same position for too long, is their range of motion repetitive, or are they required to lift heavy goods?

Sophie continued: “A key ergonomic issue in a manufacturing environment is ensuring that individuals use correct technique through multiple repetitions. Over time people slip into bad habits, so it’s important to know the right techniques and have the right equipment to minimise the risks and safeguard employee health.

In the workplace, this might involve making sure your workstation is set up at the correct height with the equipment and objects you need to access placed within comfortable reach to avoid unnecessary stretching and twisting.

How we can help

Preventing back injury is at the core of what we do at Human Workspace. We provide ergonomic assessments of workplaces, which sounds incredibly clinical, but the most important thing we do is get to know the people in the workplace and what they do so we can make sure that we provide the right equipment and advice to help them in the long term, whether that’s ensuring that laboratory workstations are set up to maximise comfort and efficiency or ensuring that the factory design is as lean as possible, limiting incidences of ad hoc manual handling.

Want to know more?

Find out how we help Thales Group build flexible, human-friendly factory floor operations in as little as 24 hours.

Or give us a call on 01273 704520 to chat about your needs.