How to set up an ergonomic packing station
A well-planned packing station saves steps, protects the back and speeds up shipping. This guide shows how to set the working height on ergonomic principles, arrange roll holders and material storage sensibly, and light the workplace correctly.
View packing tablesWhat is the right working height at a packing station?
The correct working height depends on body size and task. For standing packing, the surface should sit at elbow level or a few centimetres below, roughly 95 to 118 cm. A height-adjustable worktop covers several people and shifts.
Light, fast packing works best standing, because short steps and turns are possible without getting up. For longer precision work a sit-stand change makes sense, spreading the load across the spine and legs.
- Check the adjustment range, electric or crank (typically 65 to 130 cm).
- Keep foot space under the table free for a close standing posture.
- Plan an anti-fatigue mat for permanent standing stations.
- Add a height-adjustable sit-stand stool for sit-stand operation.
How to arrange roll holders and material storage?
An efficient packing station splits into three zones: the reach zone directly in front of the body, the work zone in the centre and the storage and supply zone at the edge. Anything used constantly belongs in the reach zone of about 600 mm depth.
Roll holders for kraft paper, bubble wrap or stretch film are best mounted above or to the side, so material is pulled from the top and the worktop stays clear. A dispenser with an integrated tear-off edge speeds up every packing cycle.
How to light the shipping workplace?
Good lighting lowers error rates and fatigue. Per ASR A3.4 and DIN EN 12464‑1, packing and shipping stations need at least 500 lux on the work surface. Even, glare-free light and good colour rendering are key for reading labels and barcodes reliably.
- At least 500 lx on the work surface, more for inspection tasks.
- Colour rendering index Ra above 80 for clear labels and colour codes.
- Glare-free luminaire above the surface, no shadows cast by the body.
- Neutral white (around 4000 K) for focused, low-fatigue work.
Frequently asked questions
How high should a packing table be?
For standing packing the surface sits about at elbow height, usually 95 to 118 cm depending on body size. Height-adjustable tables with a range of roughly 65 to 130 cm cover several people and shifts.
Where is the best place to mount roll holders?
Above or to the side of the worktop, so material is pulled from the top and the active surface stays clear. A dispenser with a tear-off edge speeds up the cycle.
How much light does a shipping workplace need?
Per ASR A3.4 and DIN EN 12464‑1, at least 500 lux on the work surface, glare-free and with good colour rendering (Ra above 80), so labels and barcodes stay legible.
Is a sit-stand packing station worth it?
Yes, alternating between sitting and standing relieves the back and legs during longer shifts. For short, fast packing, pure standing with an anti-fatigue mat is often more efficient.
Setting up an ergonomic packing station?
We supply height-adjustable packing tables, roll holders, material shelves and system luminaires for an efficient shipping workplace.
Ergonomically planned
Working heights based on ergonomic principles.
Correctly lit
500 lx per ASR A3.4 and DIN EN 12464-1.
All within reach
Roll holders and shelves in the reach zone.
Expert advice
Our specialists plan your packing station.