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Equipment and machinery

The equipment and machinery has to be suitable for the task ... but it should also be suitable for the users.

Often equipment is purchased without first considering:

How it will be operated
Where it will be used
Who will be using it
The duration
The frequency

Lack of consideration of these points can result in poor working postures leading to potential injury and discomfort. Think about the design and layout of equipment and machinery.

man sitting at a low computer in front of a window

How will it be used, and by whom.

a worker bending down to use machinery - machinery too low

Is equipment too low

or too high?

Is there sufficient leg room?

a person bending down to get equipment off a low shelf onto a trolley

Consideration of where items are stored is also important.

Avoid storing items too low and arrange items so that the heaviest can be reached at waist height.

Height adjustable trolleys should also be considered.

a person fixing a difficult to maintain machine, with his head in an uncomfortable position

When machinery is installed, consideration is not always given to how easily maintenance work will be carried out.

This must be taken in to account to avoid inappropriate postures & unsafe working practices.

Worker on a stepladder lifting a large component

Cleaning equipment can result in awkward postures.

In this scenario, the operator must handle a heavy load whilst balancing on an unsuitable step ladder.

Important points to remember:

If new equipment / machinery is being purchased, it is vital that the user is considered.
If possible, trials should be performed to ensure their suitability before purchase.
Trialling equipment could prevent the occurrence of issues arising such as discomfort or difficulty of use later on…. alternative / specialist suppliers should be considered.
Where possible, consult or consider the users and the nature of the job to gain an understanding of the requirements.
Where there is a problem, change the way the job is done, how equipment and tools are used and how often.
Consider how maintenance and repair work will be completed on machinery and whether this will be user friendly.

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Equipment and machinery

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