Design your workstation
How to choose the right adjustable workbench
Varying the working posture during the day is an essential part of proper workplace ergonomics, neither sitting nor standing alone is optimal. The latest cognitive research has demonstrated the benefits of regularly varying your working posture and according to the research results, even small movements, such as standing up occasionally, can help improve your memory, attentiveness, learning and overall cognitive performance.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the choosing process of an adjustable industrial workbench.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the choosing process of an adjustable industrial workbench.
Should the workbench be designed for sitting or standing?
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.
General guidelines for the choice of the posture
| 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.
What is the optimal working height for a workbench?
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.
Consider the individual differences of industrial work
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.
Learn more about increasing productivity with proper ergonomics:
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4 ways to adjust the height of the workbench
Allen-key adjustable workbench
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.
Hand crank adjustable workbench
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.
Electrically adjustable workbench
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.
NEW! Extremely fast spring-adjustable workbench (Treston Quick Edge)
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.
Comparison of the Treston adjustable workbenches
|
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 |
Learn more about increasing productivity with proper ergonomics
How EHS Managers Can Get Workers to Care About Ergonomics
For EHS (Environmental, Health, and Safety) and facilities managers, reducing workplace injuries is a constant challenge. You know that ergonomics can play a crucial role in preventing injuries like musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), chronic pain, and fatigue, but getting workers to care about changing their habits is another story. Despite the clear benefits, workers often prioritize getting the job done quickly, even if it means working in ways that put them at risk. This leads to preventable injuries, increased absenteeism, and higher healthcare costs—all problems you’re working to avoid.
From the worker’s perspective, they may not prioritize ergonomics because they haven’t experienced an injury—yet. They’ve likely been doing the job the same way for years, and change can feel unnecessary or even frustrating. After all, they just want to get the job done and move on with their day. However, what’s often overlooked is that poor ergonomics can lead to long-term issues that affect not just their ability to work but also their quality of life outside of work. This disconnect leaves managers stuck in a cycle of reacting to injuries instead of preventing them. The good news is that with the right approach—such as regular ergonomic assessments, the right tools, and ongoing support—you can create a win-win: safer work environments for employees and fewer injuries for the company.
From the worker’s perspective, they may not prioritize ergonomics because they haven’t experienced an injury—yet. They’ve likely been doing the job the same way for years, and change can feel unnecessary or even frustrating. After all, they just want to get the job done and move on with their day. However, what’s often overlooked is that poor ergonomics can lead to long-term issues that affect not just their ability to work but also their quality of life outside of work. This disconnect leaves managers stuck in a cycle of reacting to injuries instead of preventing them. The good news is that with the right approach—such as regular ergonomic assessments, the right tools, and ongoing support—you can create a win-win: safer work environments for employees and fewer injuries for the company.
Choosing the best customizable electric workbench for industrial use
Selecting the right workbench for your industrial workspace is a crucial decision that impacts both ergonomics and productivity. With a wide range of workbenches available, from light-duty to heavy-duty models, it’s important to consider factors like load capacity, accessory options, and overall flexibility.
Treston offers a variety of hyper-adaptable, ESD-safe and durable workbenches designed to meet the demands of diverse industries, from electronics assembly to heavy manufacturing.
In this post, we compare our four electrically height-adjustable top models—TED, QuatreX, and Concept—so you can find the perfect solution for your specific industrial needs. Our comparison focuses on two key elements: load capacity and the range of accessories available.
Treston offers a variety of hyper-adaptable, ESD-safe and durable workbenches designed to meet the demands of diverse industries, from electronics assembly to heavy manufacturing.
In this post, we compare our four electrically height-adjustable top models—TED, QuatreX, and Concept—so you can find the perfect solution for your specific industrial needs. Our comparison focuses on two key elements: load capacity and the range of accessories available.
Mastering Industrial Ergonomics: A Q&A with Mariah Holback and Jonna Patama
In this Q&A session, we delve into the world of industrial ergonomics with Mariah Holback, our ergonomics specialist, and Jonna Patama, our Ergonomist and Product Group Manager from our factory in Finland. They discuss the importance of ergonomic workstation design and how AI tools like Treston ErgoID™ can revolutionize ergonomic assessments.
See what our customers say
With the workshop workbenches, the work ergonomics of the employees has clearly improved
Tapio Roiha, CEO, Cycli
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Thanks to adaptable solutions the throughput time at goods receipt reduced from three weeks to two days.
Thomas Janker, Head of Purchasing, Sport Conrad
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With Treston’s solutions, we now have the ability to swiftly convert benches from one task to another
Catarina Nascimento, Special Projects Manager
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The configurator is very user-friendly, allowing us to quickly design workstations that meet our requirements.
Tristan Bonnier, Production Manager at Deltacab
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“The new furniture has significantly improved ergonomics, occupational health and job satisfaction.”
Hannu Pesonen, Development Manager, Jotwire
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The work tables and add-on modules impress with their durability and reliability even under heavy load.
Johann Eberlein, Managing Director of Eberlein & Kunz
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The collaboration with Treston was seamless, relaxed, and professional as we developed the cobot cart together
Juha Mainio, ABB Robotics
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