ERGO™

If hand tools are to be ergonomic, they must be suitable to the task, the user and the environment. That is why all three of these factors are crucial when creating an ERGO™ product.

Ergonomic tools are designed to fit the human hand, minimising grip-strength demands and allowing muscles to relax periodically, reducing the risk of static muscle fatigue. Locking or adjusting mechanisms must be safe and easy-to-use, mitigating risk of injury or any awkward hand-positioning. Contact stress and slipping are managed through the right choice of materials and handle design. The handle is essential as it provides requisite sensory feedback for accuracy, precision and optimum control of the tool, and is designed to reduce vibrations to the hand and arm.

So whenever an ERGO™ tool is being developed, sustainable efficiency and effectiveness are considered, as well as reliability and durability in challenging environments. We value safety and prevent risks of both immediate and long-term injuries and pain.

Pride and pleasure are also taken into account, making our ergonomic tools attractive and giving the user control, comfort and precision. We innovate continuously, in terms of tool function, material and design.

We believe it is important to adapt tools to the potential and limitations of human anatomy, instead of expecting people to adapt to our tools. We believe in putting the right tools in the hands of professional users, making their work more efficient, effective, less tiring, mitigating injury and more fun!

 

Bahco ERGO™ Development Program


We work hard to deliver the best possible tools to every customer, and over the years we have continuously developed, improved and fine-tuned the way we do this.

Our scientific Bahco ERGO™ Development Program (the ‘11-point program’) has resulted in many successful and scientifically evaluated ergonomic tools. While many others just talk about ergonomics, we really deliver.

 

The Bahco ERGO™ Process


So far there are some 500 Bahco ERGO™ tools, and the demand is ever increasing. To sharpen our competitive edge in ergonomics and industrial design, we have refined our program into the Bahco ERGO™ Process. This is a comprehensive three-phase process (each phase including several steps), which ensures the validity of ERGO™ tools. The Bahco ERGO™ Process is unique for Bahco and scientifically performed with the help of Industrial Designers and Ergonomists. The Bahco ERGO™ Process is in accordance with ISO 9241.

The first phase of the Bahco ERGO™ Process is Observe. Its purpose is to provide the foundation for ergonomic product development. It consists of pre-studies for each product idea, with emphasis on the ergonomic survey - a series of interviews to obtain insights on the tasks performed with the tool, how it is handled, by what type of operator and in what kind of environment.

The second phase is Experiment. This starts with a prototype design that is tested by users and the test results analyzed. This leads to a new series of prototypes that again, are put through user tests and analysis. The number of design and test rounds varies depending on several factors.

At the end of this phase, conclusions are made and a successful product prototype can move to the last phase, themed as Define. At this point the final design proposal is made based on all the studies and tests made in previous two phases, and the product specifications and other necessary documents are prepared for the product to be ready for introduction.

 

The Registered Trademark ERGO™


Each ergonomic Bahco tool is developed by thoroughly following the Bahco ERGO™ Process. The Design Manager of SNA Europe certifies that the rigorous process has been followed and that the research for the tool has been performed accordingly. An ERGO™ Diploma is issued for approved tools, and they are marked with the ERGO® logo.


Bahco ERGO™ products are continually awarded with the most prestigious Design Awards:

 

 Feature Highlights

 

Bahco Handsaw System with ERGO™ handle
Deriving inspiration from competitive pistols the handles have been designed to engage the whole hand and allow a powerful grip.

ERGO™ Pliers
The shape of the grip allows optimal use of the tool in myriad positions. The return spring can be activated or deactivated depending on the task.
 
ERGO™ Screwdrivers
Patented tip icons make tool selection easier. The tapered handle allows for precision fingertip usage.
 		 ERGO™ Secateurs
Available in tailored sizing with both right and left hand versions, handles are contoured to fit the natural shape of the hand, guaranteeing an even application of force.
ERGO™ Adjustable wrenches
Optimally sized cuschioning grip promotes ease of use by allowing to engage even with gloved hands.
 		 ERGO™ Hand hacksaw frame
No profiling of handles, digital separators or finger rings are used, because they tend to increase contact stress on the hands. Soft coatings on handles reduce contact stress even further.