

The choice of a seated or standing working posture is dependent upon the task to be executed. The height of the work surface is determined by such factors as size and weight of the part, precision requirement, assembly process, repetitiveness etc. Height adjustability is especially useful when the size of the products being handled varies or when several people use the same workstation.
If tasks require paperwork, typing, no heavy lifting, and/or all tools for the job are provided in arm’s reach, then the workstation should be designed for sitting, but with possibility to stand.
Don't forget the opportunity to rest, especially during heavy work.
If tasks require lifting heavy loads, continuous movement, parts retrieval, and/or there is no leg space, then the workstation should be designed for standing but with the possibility to rest every now and then, whenever possible.
Task | Primary choice | Secondary choice |
Lifting the weight over 11 lbs | Standing | Semi-sitting* |
Working below the elbow level | Standing | Semi-sitting* |
Need to reach widely in horizontal level | Standing | Semi-sitting* |
Light assembly work | Sitting | Semi-sitting* |
Precision work | Sitting | Semi-sitting* |
Visual monitoring or supervising | Sitting | Semi-sitting* |
Need to move between workstations | Semi-sitting* | Standing |
*Semi-sitting work is between sitting and standing. Semi-sitting reduces the strain of the back due to sitting and the strain of the lower limbs due to standing.
When sitting, a desk surface should typically be 25" to 30" high for writing and typing and can be positioned as much as 10" higher if tasks demand an elevated platform. Depending on personal preference, the surface should offer the versatility to be lowered 2" to accommodate for body size.
When standing, the desk should be 30" to 45" high, and, once again, able to adjust to 2" lower if needed. The adjustments here are critical so as to cater to various heights and body types. Ensure it’s comfortable to rest arms, reach products, or see a monitor. Most often it’s good to avoid overly large or deep workbenches. One option is to favor customized tables.
It’s important to remember that ergonomics does not create a rigid solution for one particular person. Most production teams have a diverse set of workers. Different physiques, arm length, abilities, skill levels and vision strength have to be accommodated. True ergonomically friendly work environments are made in such a way to offer flexibility, adjustability and customization. That means the strongly-built, 6’5’’ male worker may be at the same workstation during one shift as a petite, slender, 5’2’’ female worker was in another. Ergonomic solutions recognize this and offer a solution that can accommodate all body-types.
The height can be adjusted electrically (electric motor height adjustment) or manually (with a hand crank or an Allen-key). An industrial workbench with Allen-key adjustment is best suited when height adjustment is only rarely needed.
A hand crank adjustable workbench is suitable for workstations where the height is only adjusted once or twice a day, e.g. when changing shifts. Adjusting the height with hand crank is easier than in Allen-key adjustable models, but not as quick and smart as in electric workbenches.
The electrically adjustable workbench allows you to change the posture several times during the work shift, as it can be easily and quickly adjusted for each employee and for varying working postures. The electronic adjustment is also used with a lower threshold, and the possibility of height adjustment is utilized more often.
The height of the Treston Quick Edge workbench is adjusted with a non-electrical spring-adjust mechanism. The patented height adjustment solution minimizes the time required to adjust the height and thus makes daily work smoother, more efficient and more ergonomic.
Product |
Designed for |
Max load (Allen Key) |
Max load (Hand crank) |
Max load (Electric motor) |
Max load (Quick Edge) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Treston Concept | Assembly, Quality control, Packing / logistics | 1100 lbs | 440 lbs | 880 lbs | - |
Treston TED | Light-duty assembly, packing / logistics, industrial offices, R&D |
- | - | 440 lbs | - |
Treston Quick Edge | Packing / logistics | - | - | - | 220 lbs |