Ergonomics: Grocery Store Bakery

Bakery

Applying good ergonomics can help prevent injury in the bakery department.

• Position cake-decorating turntables so that the cake is at about elbow height for a more comfortable working position. Adjustable height tables are one solution, but you can also put a riser under the turntable, use turntables with different heights, or put in platforms for shorter people to stand on.

• Have an adequate number of mixing bowls available to reduce the need to transfer icing or batters that are mixed in the store to other containers.

• Use footrests and anti-fatigue mats in areas where workers stand for prolonged periods.

• Make sure that there is toe-clearance under counters and other work surfaces.

• Put buckets of icing and batter on risers (e.g., small stands or empty buckets) to raise them to the best work zone.

These recommendations are based on information from grocery stores. OSHA recognizes that other bakery operations may be different and that other solutions may be more appropriate for those operations.

Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)
200 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20210
www.osha.gov