Working height simply explained – definition, examples, areas of application

What You Need to Know

TheWorking heightIt determines comfort, efficiency, and safety. In the kitchen, it determines whether work is carried out ergonomically; on a construction site, it determines whether a facade can be reached. For ladders and scaffolding, the following applies: working height = standing height + approximately 2 m.

In everyday life as well as in industry, working height is crucial.Kitchens, workshops, offices, logistics, and medical facilities use them for ergonomic processes. In height access technology, it is calculated as a platform height plus 2 m – with typical ranges from 6–8 m to over 40 m, and in special cases even over 100 m.

Working height sounds simple – but it isn't. Depending on the location, it can determine comfort, efficiency, or even safety. In the kitchen, working height determines whether you can comfortably chop vegetables or whether your back hurts after ten minutes. On a construction site, working height determines whether you can reach the facade in one go – or whether you lose valuable time with the wrong platform.

What does working height actually mean?

The definition is quickly explained: Working height describes the area in which you can practically work.

For work platforms , it's calculated from the platform height plus approximately two meters of reach. For furniture or workbenches, it's a matter of centimeters and ergonomics. In other words: the same word, but different meaning.

Here we explain the difference between working height and platform height in detail.

Here you can see the working area with indication of the working height of a small articulated telescopic platform .

Working height on work platforms – the decisive factor

In height access technology, working height is the most important metric of all . It determines whether your project is running or stalled. A platform with an 8-meter platform height has a working height of around 10 meters. It sounds trivial, but it makes the difference between reaching the ceiling or not.

Practical examples

Interior work in an 8-meter-high hall? A scissor lift with a working height of 6-8 meters is sufficient. Facade work on a 20-meter- high office building? You won't even get close without a telescopic boom lift. And for industrial facilities with pipes or overhangs, you need articulated boom lifts – because working height without reach is useless.

Working height in everyday life

Working height plays a role not only on construction sites. It also determines many aspects of everyday life: Kitchen countertops are usually between 85 and 95 cm, and workbenches are tailored to body size and use. Even in the office, table heights are chosen to protect shoulders and wrists. Working height = ergonomics = health.

Working height in industry

Whether it's an assembly line, machine operator, or packaging station – in industry, working heights are precisely tailored to processes. Even a few centimeters can determine whether employees can work efficiently and without damaging their backs.

Working height in warehouse & logistics

Shelf heights, conveyor systems, and picking stations are designed to ensure goods can be moved quickly and safely. An incorrect working height directly leads to lost time and a higher risk of injury.

Working height in the office

Office workstations require desks and monitors at the appropriate height. Adjustable tables and chairs ensure that people of different heights can work optimally.

Working height in the medical field

In operating rooms, on treatment chairs or examination tables, the correct working height is crucial for the precision and ergonomics of the specialist staff – and thus also for the safety of the patients.

Working height in the catering industry

Kitchen work surfaces, counters, and buffet stations must be designed to allow chefs and service staff to work quickly, ergonomically, and hygienically. Here, too, the following applies: incorrect height = unnecessary strain.

Ladder, scaffolding or stage – which one is right for you?

The rule of thumb for ladders and scaffolding is: working height = standing height + 2 meters. So, if you climb to three meters, you're effectively working at five meters. This sounds practical, but it's risky: the higher you go, the more unstable you become . That's why work platforms have long been standard—safe, flexible, and quickly ready for use.

Find out which is better for your project: work platform vs. scaffolding .

Which devices for which working heights?

• 6–8 m: Compact scissor lifts or mast lifts, ideal for warehouses and halls
• 10–16 m: Articulated telescopes for working over obstacles
• 20–30 m: Telescopic platforms for construction & industry
• 40+ m: Special equipment for infrastructure and large-scale projects

How to calculate the correct working height

Just remember: platform height + 2 meters = working height . But: plan for a reserve! If you're working on a 12-meter facade, a 12-meter platform isn't enough. Tools, materials, freedom of movement – ​​all of this requires clearance.

Working height and ergonomics – small scale, big impact

The same applies to kitchens and workshops: The right height saves energy and stress. A workstation that's too low leads to back pain, while one that's too high leads to tension. Therefore, working height should never be left to chance – whether in industry or in the home.

BIBERGER – your partner for every working height

Whether you're working on a 6-meter warehouse or a 40-meter facade project, you'll always find the right solution in our rental fleet of over 1,000 pieces of equipment . We offer practical advice: Which platform is truly suited to your application? What working height is sufficient? And where is it worth having backup? With BIBERGER, you get technology that not only reaches high but also fits the bill.

About the author

Benjamin Biberger

Managing Director

Benjamin is the founder and managing director of BIBERGER Arbeitsbühnen & Forklifts.

He is responsible for thecommercial and administrative areasof the company and, together with his team, ensures theOptimization of operational processesand theoptimal customer supportin their projects.

Through his many years of experience in the areas of organization andProject managementIt provides a stable foundation – in its own daily business, in sustainableFurther development of processesas well as in theCollaboration with partners and customers.