Many people, especially if you work in an office, already know the word well but for those who are not familiar – this is for you. Ergonomics is defined as the science of designing the job, equipment, and workplace to fit the worker. Proper ergonomic design is necessary to prevent repetitive strain injuries, which can develop over time and can lead to long-term disability.
Some features are mandatory for a good chair regardless of how you intend to use it:
- Adjustability - Check to see that seat height is adjustable.
- Seat height range - Check whether the seat height can be adjusted to the height recommended for the worker(s) who will use it. Other chairs may have to be selected for very short or tall workers.
- Backrest - Check to see that the backrest is adjustable both vertically and in the frontward and backward direction.
- Seat depth - Select the seats that suit the tallest and the shortest users
- Stability - Check for the stability of the chair; a five-point base is recommended.
Other features to consider
- See if the selected chair has features that will help someone do their job better. Arm rests with adjustable heights are good for computer operators. Wider or narrower arm rests may also be required depending on the worker's dimensions and tasks they do.
- See if the selected chair has features that will make doing a job more difficult. An example may be that someone may be using a chair with casters or wheels when a stable and stationary work position would be better. If chairs with casters are needed, choose ones that match the type of flooring you have (carpeting or hard floors).
If you think your work station may be need of some ‘tweaking’, try asking your employer for an ‘Ergonomic Assesment’.
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