---
title: Improve Ergonomics to Increase Productivity
description: HOW your workers are scanning is just as important as WHAT they are scanning. Muscle exertion, center of gravity and range-of-motion are important factors that impact not only your workers’ health and wellness, but also your bottom line.
---

[AbeTech | Knowledge Center | Blog | Topics | Thought Leadership ](https://www.abetech.com/blog)

# [Improve Ergonomics to Increase Productivity](https://www.abetech.com/blog/improve-ergonomics-to-increase-productivity)

 Written by [AbeTech](https://www.abetech.com/blog/author/abetech) | Sep 24, 2018 5:00:00 AM

When monitoring picking, packing, put-away and cycle counting tasks, tangible metrics are key. You want to know exactly how much each worker is producing: how many units completed, how many scans recorded, etc.

But what about the intangible metrics that often go unseen?** HOW your workers are scanning is just as important as WHAT they are scanning.** Muscle exertion, center of gravity and range-of-motion are important factors that impact not only your workers’ health and wellness, but also your bottom line.

## **Why ergonomics in the warehouse matters**

According the Bureau of Labor Statics for the Warehouse and Storage sector, there were [5 work-related injuries for every 100 workers in 2016](https://www.bls.gov/iag/tgs/iag493.htm#workforce). Workers faced days away from work, work restrictions and/or job transfers due to injuries or accidents on the job. **Ultimately, injuries like this cost your company money and hurts worker morale and productivity.**

## **Repetitive motion injuries and risk factors**

So what leads to workplace injuries in warehousing? Something to keep an eye out for are musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). OSHA notes [a study from 2013 on the ergonomics page on their website](https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/ergonomics/) which states “MSD cases accounted for 33% of all worker injury and illness cases [in 2013].” MSD disorders include carpal tunnel, tendinitis, rotator cuff injuries and other repetitive motion injuries.

To reduce MSD injuries in the warehouse, avoid these risk factors:

- Bending, lifting in awkward body postures
- Repeatedly reaching overhead
- Performing the same or similar tasks repetitively

Obviously, such tasks can be a normal part of the warehouse work environment and cannot be completely avoided. **Luckily, there is a way to make these tasks less strenuous: improve the ergonomics of the scanners and mobile computers you deploy in your warehouse.**

## **Scan and verify three times faster while reducing risk**

Most mobile computers or pistol grip scanners require a two-step process for each scan: tilt the scanner down to scan and then tilt the scanner back up again to verify by looking at the screen.

**With the TC800 Mobile Computer from Zebra, a two-step process becomes one-step.** This is because the scanner is positioned in such a way that you can scan while still looking at the screen. Zebra has found, when compared to other form factors, the TC800 improves productivity in the following ways:

- Reduce worker motion by 76%
- Save 1 hour per worker per shift
- Increase worker productivity by 14%

[If these sound like benefits you’re interested in, reach out to AbeTech.](https://www.abetech.com/Contact) We have over 25 years of experience helping companies improve their warehouse processes and productivity. **As your trusted advisor, we will build a solution (including hardware, software and support) that fits your unique work environment.**

[View full post](https://www.abetech.com/blog/improve-ergonomics-to-increase-productivity)

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