How high should a conveyor be?
Wherever the tasks at the conveyor require wide-ranging bodily motion and/or physical exertion, then the work should be done from a standing position.
Conveyor height should be determined by the degree of exertion required and the dimensions of the objects being moved or worked upon. A height range of 65 to 120 cm can accommodate the majority of the workforce and a variety of tasks. As most conveyors have a fixed height surface, one recommendation is to adjust the belt to a height suitable for the tallest workers, and to provide adjustable work platforms or chairs for shorter workers. More information on working in standing positions can be found in our OSH Answers section under:
However, it is important to consider the type of work being done when determining the conveyor height. For example:
- context Working in a Standing Position
- context Working in Standing/Sitting Positions
- context Fish Processing
- context Conveyor height for precision work such as microelectronic assembly should be from 95 to 120 cm, ideally 5 cm above one's elbow height.
- context Working in a Sitting Position -Alternative Chairs
- context Working in Standing/Sitting Positions
- context Seating for precision work should be as described in the following OSH Answers documents, plus the use of elbow supports:
- context Conveyor height for light work should have an optimal working height of the hands of 107 cm (42 in.) and should be about 5 to 10 cm below one's elbow height. Seating is optional.
- context Conveyor height for heavy work requiring large downward or sideward forces should be 91 cm (36 in.) and should be about 20 to 40 cm below one's elbow height. Seats for other than resting are not recommended.
- context Conveyor height for tasks requiring large upward forces, such as clearing machine jams and removing components, is 81 cm (32 in.).
What are other ergonomic considerations when working at a conveyor?
In all cases, consider that the more a worker is exposed, the higher the risk of developing injuries.
- context Be sure that workers are actively involved, such as being involved with procedure development, design of the work space, and providing feedback and consultation.
- context The reach distance includes the distance in front and to the side of the worker's body. The width of the conveyor should be chosen so that the reaching distance for repetitive movements is within 45 cm (18 in) from the front of the operator's body.
- context Alternately, diverters can be installed that will direct the material towards the worker to reduce or eliminate the need to lean or reach.
- context Small racks or shelves for containers should be within easy reach; containers should be tilted to avoid repetitive awkward movements.
- context Regardless of whether they work while sitting or standing, workers should have adequate knee and leg clearance.
- context Aisles should be wide enough so that the workers can perform their tasks without obstruction.
- context Consider the force required (e.g., strength required by hands (grip), arms, back, and legs.
- context Consider if the worker must twist their torso or maintain awkward positions (e.g., bending forward, sideways, or backwards)
- context Is there contact stress, such as hard or sharp objects into the skin? (e.g., does the worker have to lean on or over the conveyor?)
- context Consider installing tool balancers where heavy powered hand tools are used.
- context Consider installing over-conveyors workstations to provide easy access to materials and tools and to free floor space.
- context Consider installing anti-fatigue matting; it may alleviate tiredness and feet problems that might arise from working long hours on hard floors.
- context Even if the work is done from only one side, the conveyors should be accessible from both sides. This access is for maintenance, housekeeping, and emergency reasons.
- context Where people need to move over the conveyor, a crossover (pedestrian bridge) should be built, with appropriate guards installed.
- context Be aware that other factors may increase the effects on the worker, including the use of tools that vibrate, and when the work is done in colder temperatures.
- context Provide education and training which includes awareness of ergonomics, techniques to reduce injury, and the importance of early reporting of symptoms of musculoskeletal injury.