As with any workstation, there are solutions available to improve the ergonomics of a checkout counter and enhance employee comfort. 

What are the constraints at the cash registers?

Everyone can picture a typical supermarket checkout: a seat in front of a terminal for scanning items, with a screen and a conveyor belt.

If we look at the ergonomics of this standard workstation, we can identify three main issues:

• Space is limited: There is little floor space in front of the terminal, and sometimes behind you and on the sides.
• The workstation is at a mid-height: It is higher than a desk-level workstation but lower than a standing workstation.
• There are many different checkout counter layouts: Each chain or store has different layouts (U-shaped checkout lines, staggered checkout lines, V-shaped checkout lines, etc.). Depending on these configurations, it can sometimes be difficult to reach the checkout lines while in a wheelchair, or to slide the wheelchair behind you to stand up without getting in the way of your coworkers.

"Faced with these physical constraints, the body is forced to adapt!"

The most common ones are:

Lower Back Pain due to prolonged sitting

Shoulder and neck pain due to repetitive motions involved in scanning products and sometimes having to fetch them from relatively far away on the conveyor belt

Lower back and neck pain when working while standing because the workstation is too low and the distance between the cash drawer and the customer across from you is too great

In 2007, back pain and acute lower back pain accounted for 41% of work-related injuries resulting in time off from work at hypermarkets.

Instead of forcing our bodies to adapt,
let’s adapt our workspace!

Our 3 Tips for Optimal Comfort

By choosing equipment that is suited to your body type and the activity you’re doing, you can minimize pain and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), allowing you to work more comfortably. 

Tip #1 

Get moving! By alternating between sitting and standing while at the register, you engage different muscles, improve blood circulation, and significantly reduce physical and mental fatigue. 

Tip #2

When sitting, choose a chair that allows you to stay active and supports your movements— for example, when you reach for an item on the mat.

Mojo Task Ergonomic Chair

Our ergonomic Mojo Task chair, for example, is specially designed for checkout counters. The shape of its seat allows users to alternate between a perfectly upright seated position and a sit-stand position, in which the chair supports the user (seated with a forward-leaning posture, back against the backrest).
The active synchronous mechanism moves with the user: this prevents prolonged static posture and overextension of the arms, as the entire body can lean forward.

In addition, the Mojo Task ergonomic chair features a compact base designed to fit into narrow spaces between crates. It can also be equipped with armrests, which are recommended in some cases to help relax the shoulders and neck. With its numerous ergonomic adjustments, it can be used on multi-operator crates to adapt to each user. 

Tip #3

Get a footrest: it’s often essential at a checkout counter, because to compensate for the counter’s height, you have to adjust the seat height, and your feet no longer rest flat on the floor.

This leads to an unbalanced and painful posture. A footrest provides firm support for the feet and promotes good blood circulation in the lower limbs, while reducing feelings of discomfort or fatigue. To learn about all the benefits of footrests, check out our dedicated guide:  “Using a Footrest: What Are the Benefits for My Posture?”

Pro 952 Ergonomic Footrest

CAUTION: However, the advice provided may vary in cases of specific medical conditions. Our advisors are available to answer any questions you may have. 

The Benefits of Ergonomic Equipment 

Source: ^{(1) Ministry} of Labor, Employment, and Social Integration

Illustration credits: ©Azergo 2020

Photo credits: Drobot Dean | Joshhh – stock.adobe.com