Rank: Forum user 
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Our workshop contains 3 tables that are 1 metre high and 1 table that is 920mm high.
These tables are designated task specific and we have an operative who has refused to work on the smaller table as it 'hurts his back' although we suspect the real reason is because he is in the line of sight of the workshop manager.
Ergonomically the tables 'appear' to be suitable for there intended tasks and no one else has complained.
Any suggestions on the next step?
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Rank: Super forum user
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Technicially ergonomics apply to the person first and not the equipment as equipment should be designed for the person so you may have a situation where the tables are too high / low for the employee. However there may be a situation as you say
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Could you swap the tables so the higher one is in sight of the manager?
Or is this the evil side of me coming out.
Chris
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Rank: Forum user
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Thanks for your response guys
Chris - The tables are task specific, the smaller table being used for cutting activities where the guys have to bend down and reach over to mark out material.
Its a 'clean' table exclusive for this activity so we cant (or wont) swap it.
As Bob has pointed out, I feel that the other 'situation' is the main reason and the workshop manager wants to go down the road of declaring the guy unfit to do the work, and we know where that's heading.
The operative in question has been asked to see his own GP if his back is bad and we ultimately WILL go down the occupational health route if we have to, we cant have the tail wagging the dog so to speak on who can and cant do the job they are employed to do.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Ergonomics is specifically focussed on fitting the job (including equipment and tasks) to the person. Whilst you can claim good reasons to have a different height table for the task, this is definitely not ergonomics.
I assume you have different people doing this job and using these tables. I would then assume they will be different shapes and sizes. It is entirely possible that one size will not fit all. I would expect this is something your occ health people will investigate.
Of course, if there is a situation with the workshop manager you need to sort that out.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Expecting people to ‘bend down and reach over’ to do a job is just not an ergonomic approach. The job should be designed so that they can do it comfortably and safety.
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Rank: Forum user
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Guys, you can't mean 10 different people doing the same job requires 10 different heights of tables surely?
I cant believe anyone would even go down the adjustable table height route either.
Surely the phrase 'Where reasonably practical' comes in to play here.
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Rank: Super forum user
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A 1 metre high table is a very low table for any to be working at it standing up.
If you are asking them to be seated then why not look at a sloping top.
We have supplied hight adjustable table fro those people that need them
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Rank: Super forum user
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I am not sure why an adjustable table is not reasonably practical. I appreciate it will have a cost, but that is a different argument.
An 'ergonomic' approach will usually have productivity benefits. Certainly worth more consideration.
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