Employers are providing ergonomic bench workstations to their employees in an effort to both comply with government workplace regulations and to reduce the number of days employees lose from work because of injuries related to their jobs. Most states now require that businesses attempt to reduce the number of workplace hazards or face costly penalties. Part of any company’s loss prevention policy is to identify how the company may help its workers avoid carpal tunnel syndrome and musculoskeletal injuries, which stem from using equipment and working in areas not designed to reduce stress and fatigue.

The design of an ergonomic bench provides maximum worker comfort. Workers may adjust the height so that they are not straining to reach surfaces and tools. Because workers do not have to strain, they feel less fatigue and end up increasing their productivity. Find out what kind of ergonomic bench works best in your company and why so many business owners are creating ergonomic workstations.

1. Buy an electric ergonomic bench with easy to adjust table heights.

2. Opt for a cost-efficient fixed height ergonomic bench.

3. Build your own ergonomic bench based on your company’s operations and facility limitations.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose an ergonomic bench with electrically powered height settings

These ergonomic benches have a push button method for adjusting the height of the table.

I recommend: Since the late 1980’s, Ergosource has been a leading ergonomic bench provider. The company manufactures at least six different models of electric ergonomic benches. Ergosource offers discounts on higher volume sales. Massachusetts-based Pro-Line sells the Millennium II, an adjustable ergonomically designed workbench that allows you to establish three different settings for table height and set them all into memory. This particular workbench comes in six sizes, each with solid maple work surfaces.

Select an adjustable ergonomic bench with fixed table height

Though less expensive, these fixed height ergonomic workbenches still offer heavy duty construction. You can set different table heights manually.

I recommend: Cisco-Eagle, with offices in Texas, Arkansas and Oklahoma, serves clients nationwide by providing industrial ergonomic workbenches. The company sells four different fixed height workbenches used in manufacturing and mechanical operations. Cisco-Eagle guarantees they top tables with crack and splinter-resistance surfaces. The fixed height workbenches made by Warner Specialty Products come with either pedestal or fixed legs, storage bins, and the ability to attach accessories. Some are even portable workstations.

Find ergonomic bench providers who help you design your own workstations

Consider your company's operations-mechanical, manufacturing or electrical-along with the space limitations of your facility.

I recommend: Contact Michigan-based All Metal Designs for an ergonomic workstation designed just for you. The company’s engineers will observe your workers as they perform their jobs at your facility and will then develop ergonomically designed workstations unique to your operations. Production Basics provides an online product catalog of ergonomic benches and other workstation furniture. It helps you put different stations together considering your facility’s production systems and space limitations. The company’s Custom Options specialists help you choose the right workstation configurations.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Contact an industrial equipment supplier for general ergonomic bench information and a manufacturer's ergonomic bench list of adjustable height and fixed height workstations.
• •  Though expensive, ergonomic benches are built to last with fully-welded steel construction. They also require minimal maintenance.