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In a nutshell,
an office chair should allow the user to find the most comfortable position.
The word allow is emphasised because so many chairs are not adjustable
enough.
Look for:-
- Seat
height adjustment, which permits a wide range of seat height settings.
- Seat
tilt adjustment, where the seat can be angled forward, left level
or sloped backwards.
- Back
height adjustment, easily altered by the user while sitting in the
chair.
- Back
angle adjustment, where the back can be moved in and out depending
on the task.
- Arm
height adjustment, to let the user select a height which helps support
arm weight..
- Appropriate
support for the lumbar (lower) and thoracic (upper) parts of the back.
- A seat
cushion which prevents excess pressure under the thighs and behind
the knees.
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chair does not to need all these features although most of them
are available on many of our models. |
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Good
Posture can be easily achieved if the chair and desk area are
well set up for the tasks in hand.
Try to:-
1. Leave plenty of space for postural change under the desk.
2. Make sure your chair armrests do not collide with the desk
or prevent you sitting as close as you want to your workstation.
3. Keep forearms approximately horizontal. The right kind of
armrests should help you achieve this.
4. Try to avoid undue extension, flexion or deviation of wrists.
5. Set computer screen height to prevent awkward neck positions.
Looking straight at the screen is much better than peering up,
down or sideways at it for hours on end.
6. Leave ample room in front of the keyboard, so arms and wrists
can be well rested during pauses.
7. Consider using a footrest when the desk and chair heights
are set up right but the worker cannot rest their feet flat
on the floor.
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Useful
publications:-
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Back
in the Office (from Back Care, The National Organisation for Healthy
Backs).
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Work
Related Upper Limb Disorders (from HSE Books).
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A
Pain in your Workplace-Ergonomic Problems and Solutions (from HSE
Books).
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Display
Screen Equipment Work- Guidance on Regulations (from HSE Books).
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Seating
at Work (from HSE Books Ref HSG-57).
Useful
websites:-
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