The concept of ergonomic design is no longer the mystery it once was a decade ago. Before workplace regulations made it mandatory for organizations to accommodate employees with physical disabilities, ergonomic principles seemed like just another industry buzzword. Well, times have changed and most employees have a sincere concern for their health and work environment.

Today, employees with intensive computer use have adjustable chairs, monitor anti-glare and radiation screens mouse pads and adjustable workstations. Ergonomic principles are just as important when properly applied to a mail center environment. With careful thought and application, a well conceived mail center will have productive employees with reduced risk for back ailments, repetitive task injuries, eye strain and mental fatigue.


What can a mail manager do to improve an operation?

Well, let's start with the design of the mail center furniture. Most experienced managers know that work stations should have different heights to accommodate the different stages of the mail and package sort. In addition, receiving and outgoing areas each handle different types of material and perform distinct functions. Sort stations need an appropriate height to provide adequate sort capacity yet not force the clerk to bend (too low) or reach (too high). Many of today's modern mail center furniture is height adjustable and/or offers different platforms to raise sort levels. One leading manufacturer even produces a unique sort station that has electric height adjustment, allowing the station to change as tasks change (and allowing accommodation of wheel-chairs).

Another critical aspect of ergonomic and environment design is light. Low levels of light cause eye strain and studies have shown an adverse effect on mood and productivity. What can we do? Better quality light fixtures are a good start. In some cases, clients position lights below sort stations. In others, fluorescent lights are installed above the work station surfaces. We have also seen a greater use of sort modules with open or plexiglass backs. Some manufacturers even have sorters made from reinforced vinyl-coated wire which gives the mail center a very open, light, friendly environment.

Computer work stations are now more common for research stations and receiving areas. Work stations with adjustable keyboards and height adjustable platforms for monitors and keyboards are a must. Another important factor is the use of quality seating, providing lumbar support and height and tilt adjustment. To reduce the risk of repetitive task injuries, a wrist support and wrap is recommended.

The comfort and efficiency of stand-up operations can also be improved. Mail center employees who perform stand-up tasks can often benefit from a sit-stand chair that takes the stress off the legs and back but gives full mobility when required. The US Postal Service has long used a variety of such chairs in manual sorting operations. One sit-stand chair has a tilted seat pan, painted sled base and vertical height adjustment.

In keeping with methods to reduce back and muscle strain from standing operations, the use of anti-fatigue mats are quite common. These mats are designed with a non-skid sponge rubber base for worker comfort. They reduce foot and leg fatigue at job stations, have beveled edges for safety and even provide some insulation against cold floors. Anti-fatigue mats are an inexpensive way to improve the comfort of the work station and are commonly used next to sorting bins, mailing machines and folder-inserters.

It Is well-established that properly designed ergonomic work areas more than pay for themselves in increased productivity. A State Farm Insurance study even showed that a good ergonomic chair can increase a computer operator’s productivity by 40-80 percent! Seating, lighting, noise control and a properly designed workstation all contribute to ergonomic efficiency. This article is just a primer on some simple ways to improve the working conditions of a mail center. If you would like additional information on some of our other ideas, drop us an e-mail or give us a call.

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