How are conveyors used in industry?

Conveyors are common equipment found in industry. They are used to connect areas in workplaces in a manufacturing system andmove products and supplies in and out of a work site, from one part of the plant to another, and between workstations. Conveyors are found in all kinds of assembly operations, ranging from microelectronics to the automotive industry. Conveyors can be powered or unpowered, roller or belt, overhead or on the floor.

Factors such as the conveyor's height, width, speed and position in relation to the worker determine the overall workload and the way workers do their job. To lessen the likelihood of adverse effects when working on a conveyor line, ergonomic and design issues should be considered.

Wherever the tasks at the conveyor require wide-ranging bodily motion and/or physical exertion, then the work should be done from a standing position.

Conveyor height should be determined by the degree of exertion required and the dimensions of the objects being moved or worked upon. A height range of  65 to 120 cm can accommodate the majority of the workforce and a variety of tasks. As most conveyors have a fixed height surface, one recommendation is to adjust the belt to a height suitable for the tallest workers, and to provide adjustable work platforms or chairs for shorter workers. More information on working in standing positions can be found in our OSH Answers section under:

However, it is important to consider the type of work being done when determining the conveyor height. For example:

Conveyor height for light work should have an optimal working height of the hands of 107 cm (42 in.) and should be about 5 to 10 cm below one's elbow height. Seating is optional.

Conveyor height for heavy work requiring large downward or sideward forces should be 91 cm (36 in.) and should be about 20 to 40 cm below one's elbow height. Seats for other than resting are not recommended.

Conveyor height for tasks requiring large upward forces, such as clearing machine jams and removing components, is 81 cm (32 in.). 

In all cases, consider that the more a worker is exposed, the higher the risk of developing injuries.

The pace of work must consider the time required for rest and recovery, and the length of time that the worker performs the tasks.

The pace of a conveyor should be set between the capabilities of the most- and least-skilled worker; the highest speed should not exceed 10 m/min., as individuals may develop conveyor sickness symptoms at speeds in excess of this rate.

For assembly work, the workers should have some control over the pace of their tasks.

Consider placing more workers on the line, or rotating workers between tasks (especially those tasks that require the use of other muscle groups).

Fact sheet last revised: 2025-07-10