The chair is one of the more important pieces of
furniture used in work and home office settings. Many tasks are performed from
a seated position – using a computer, typing, writing, and reading are a few
that come to mind. Without a properly fitting and supportive chair, it can be
very uncomfortable to sit and perform those tasks. A person who is not
comfortable is easily distracted. Back and neck pain can result. And nothing
gets done.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is ergonomics?
Ergonomics is defined as “an applied science concerned with the characteristics of people that need to be considered in designing and arranging things that they use in order that people and things will interact most effectively and safely – also called human engineering. (Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary, © 1989 by Merriam-Webster Inc.). The study and practice of ergonomics are based upon the principles and characteristics of human dimensions and movements.
Why are ergonomics important?
Products
that are designed ergonomically are comfortable for people to use. These
products, used properly, do not impose a need for unnatural muscle strain or
require physical positions the human body does not easily achieve. This allows
a person to work longer, stronger and harder. Additionally, movement and
positioning are used to best advantage, allowing a person to function most
effectively and efficiently within their environment, and which maximizes
output.
Why should I
buy an ergonomic chair?
An ergonomic
chair has features that are designed to minimize user fatigue and discomfort. A
person who is alert and comfortable is more productive.
How do I know if
I need an ergonomic chair?
Think
about how you sit when you are occupied with a task. People tend to move into
habitual postures while they are distracted with their work. Look for clues
that might indicate your seating posture and comfort. Some examples are:
·
Are there items stored beneath your desk? Worn edges of boxes may
indicate you are using them as footrests.
·
Do you prop your feet on a trash can or in a drawer?
·
Do you sit with your feet supported on chair casters?
·
Do you “perch” on the edge of a chair?
·
Do the armrests on chairs you use show signs of wearing out?
·
Do you have devices (i.e. backrest) to make your current chair more
comfortable?
·
Do you feel pain after sitting for any length of time?
These
clues generally indicate that the person sitting in the chair is not supported
or comfortable. If you do any of the above, you probably need an ergonomic
chair.
Should I purchase a chair first or other furniture?
It
is best to purchase a chair first, then build the rest of the office furniture
around it, rather than trying to force a chair into a pre-defined space.
Where can I buy an ergonomic chair?
Ergonomic
chairs are generally purchased from office furniture and equipment dealers.
These sources can be found in the telephone yellow pages under Office Furniture
and Equipment Dealers. They also can be found in some of the office supplies
stores, especially the warehouse-type stores (Office Depot, Office Max). Chairs
can also be purchased through some of the member buying clubs (Sam’s, Costco).
Prior to the actual purchase, look into the possibility for borrowing or leasing the chair for a period of time. Though this is more often done for larger companies where there is potential for future sales, it doesn’t hurt to ask!
What does an
ergonomic chair cost?
The
cost of an ergonomic chair is generally dependent upon what features and
options it offers. Chairs can cost as little as $100.00 or more than $2000.00.
What features
does an ergonomic chair have?
An ergonomic chair can have some or all of the following features:
·
Adjustable
height
·
Contoured
seat and back cushions
·
Adjustable
angle seat pan
·
Adjustable
height and angle back rest
·
Head
rest
·
Adjustable
arm rests
·
Rolling
casters
There are so many ergonomic chairs on the market. How do I choose the
one that is right for me?
When
choosing your chair, be aware that chairs come in all shapes and sizes. One
size does NOT fit all. And it is important to remember that you should choose
the chair to fit the user – not the décor!
Whenever possible, you should evaluate different
chair styles from several companies. Most office furniture companies carry one
or more ergonomic chair lines. Multiple features are often available within
each chair line. Many features are available standard within each price range.
Unusual features, such as an oversized seat pan for an overweight person, may
not be available on lower quality chairs. Evaluation chairs should include
those features that will be needed by the user.
Ideally, you should sit in each chair for a day or
two performing the tasks you need to do. This allows your body to become
accustomed to the new chair, and lets you try out the various features to
determine if they are suitable for your use. Many companies will loan a chair
to you for trial purposes. If this cannot be arranged, you should try and sit
in the chair at different times over a period of a few days. This allows you to
determine if the chair is really sized for you and comfortable each time – and
not comfortable just because you have sat in so many chairs that they all start
feeling the same.
You
should sit in each chair being evaluated, with your back supported by the
backrest. Consider the following:
·
The seating goal is to adjust the chair so that you are most
comfortable.
·
You should adjust the height of the chair so that your feet rest flat
on the floor with your ankles, knees and hips bent to approximately 90 degrees.
·
When you are firmly seated, there should be at least two finger-widths
of space between the front of the seat and the back of the knees.
- If there is less space, the
seat pan is too deep and will contribute to a slouched posture or a tendency to
"perch" at the front of the seat.
One method of rectifying this condition is to attach a contoured back
support to the backrest.
- If there is more space, the
seat pan is too short and will not properly support the body, contributing to
general discomfort and feelings of fatigue.
·
The seat pan should have sufficient width between the armrests to
accommodate your hips.
·
If the seat is contoured, your hips and buttocks should be cradled in
the contoured area.
- If the contoured area is too
small or too deep, one hip will be skewed higher than the other.
- If the contoured area is too
big or too flat, you can freely shift about in the space.
- A poorly fitting seat pan
contributes to poor posture and should be replaced.
·
Seat to back angle should be adjusted to an approximately 90 degree
angle. A slightly greater angle may be
ultimately more comfortable.
·
When your are seated, your elbows should come in contact with the
armrests without bending or twisting the trunk or raising the shoulders. In
order to be useful, the armrests should be set to support elbows without
causing the shoulders to be unduly raised or lowered
- Too-short armrests promote
leaning of the body in order to use them. This leaning is not posturally
correct and can lead to discomfort and pain. Too-short armrests should be
raised, built-up or removed to encourage better posture.
- Too-tall armrests cause
elevation of the shoulders during use, and can lead to fatigue. Elevated
shoulders can also contribute to poor posture from leaning, or neck and
shoulder discomfort.
I’m really happy with my new ergonomic
chair. What’s next?
Now you’ve got a chair that is adjusted to fit you
and helps you to work comfortably, don’t get in the habit of sitting for long
periods of time. Work hard, but take a break at least once an hour. Stand up,
shake out your muscles and move a bit. You’ll be surprised at how a little
thing like this can refresh you and keep you feeling good.
And it’s time to work on the rest of your office.
But that is a subject for another Quick Reference Guide.
Additional Resources
ErgoWeb: http://www.ergoweb.com/news/index.cfm
Articles and resources on
ergonomics.
American
Society of Interior Designers:
http://www.asid.org/
Articles and resources on
ergonomics.
Human
Factors and Ergonomics Society: http://www.hfes.org/
Occupational
Safety and Health Administration:
http://www.osha-slc.gov/ergonomics-standard/index.html
National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health:
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ergopage.html
Articles and research on ergonomic
products.
CTDNews: http://www.ctdnews.com/
Source for information on cumulative trauma disorder (CTDs) injuries
and workplace repetitive stress injuries, from carpal tunnel syndrome to low
back pain.
International
Interior Design Association: http://www.iida.com/
Mayday
Pain Project:
http://www.painandhealth.org/occupational.html
Collection of links and archives
pertaining to occupational pain.
Contact
the following resources for further information on finding E-mail discussion
lists:
http://www.techconnections.org or
800-TEK-SEEK
http://www.assistivetech.net or
800-726-9119
Product Links
|
Company |
City, State, Phone |
Web Site |
Products |
|
A.D.A Solutions by WorkLink |
510- 848-8363 |
A one stop resource for computers, electronics, assistive and adaptive technology, and voice recognition software/systems for your PC or Mac or UNIX machine |
|
|
Air Technologies Corporation |
714-661-5060 |
Manufacturer/distributor of various computer ergonomic products |
|
|
AliMed Inc. |
781-329-2900 |
Ergonomic products, medical supplies and assistive devices |
|
|
Applied Ergonomics |
847-679-5148 |
Office Reseller |
|
|
Ascentient Technology |
415-485-0643 |
Distributor of the MouseTrapper, a keyboard accessory that allows you to control your mouse and all it's functions without removing your hands from the keyboard. |
|
|
Back Designs, Inc. |
800-466-1341 |
|
A complete resource and fitting service for ergonomic and health care products. |
|
Bidinoff Marketing Inc. |
800-267-9912 |
Ergonomic solutions for workplace productivity for a wide variety of applications, including server rooms, manufacturing, warehousing and materials handling and medical to name a few. |
|
|
BodyBilt |
800-557-8861 |
http://www.bodybilt.com/ |
Various models of ergonomic chairs. |
|
CESSI-Computer & Electronic Safety Solutions Inc. |
404-250-1004 800-BUY-ERGO |
|
|
|
Details Inc |
800-584-4047 |
Steelcase |
|
|
DMB Ergonomics |
888-886-ERGO [3746] |
Kinesis keyboards, |
|
|
EDI Ergonomic Design Inc |
303-452-8006 800-645-5122 |
Computer Product Reseller |
|
|
Equipment Direct |
800-424-4410 |
Saftey Product Reseller Ergo/Computer) |
|
|
Ergo & Health Network |
253-520-6840 |
|
|
|
Ergo Shop |
800-670-ERGO |
http://www.ergoshop.com |
|
|
Ergonomic Products |
800-ERGOPRO |
Productivity, Health & Comfort "For the Office of the Nineties" |
|
|
Ergonomic Resources |
719-520-5009 888-320-5009 |
Office Product Reseller |
|
|
Ergonomic Resources, Inc |
716-648-3257 |
Ergonomic solutions for the office, workplace and home. |
|
|
Ergonomic Sciences Corporation |
800-ERGOSCI 408-737-9800 |
Helps companies design healthy work environments, with the goal of eliminating sources of physical stress and injury associated with operating computers. Ergonomic furniture, accessories and services. |
|
|
Ergonomic Solutions at Work Inc |
716-264-9750 |
Office/Industrial Product Reseller |
|
|
Ergonomic Specialties, Ltd |
630-268-1809 800-707-7060 |
Office/Industrial Product Reseller |
|
|
ErgoOutfitters |
800-WRISTPAD 781-235-1690 |
Ergonomic products for the prevention of computer related injuries. |
|
|
Global Industries, Inc. |
856-596-3390 800-220-1900 |
http://www.globaltotaloffice.com/usa2001/ |
|
|
Herman Miller |
888-443-4357 |
http://www.hermanmiller.com/ |
Ergonomic chairs: Aeron, Ambi, Aside, Avian, Eames, Equa
1, Equa 2, Equa 3, |
|
Harris Work Systems |
|
http://www.harrisworksystems.com/ |
Ergonomic furniture, custom fit seating, panel systems, space planning, workstation modifications |
|
HON |
319-264-7100 |
http://www.hon.com/ |
Ergonomic chairs. |
|
IMPACC |
207-695-3354 800-762-7720 |
Publications & Office Products |
|
|
Kare Products/Ergo Kare Inc |
303-443-4243 800-927-5273 |
Office & Related Products |
|
|
Keyboard Alternatives & Vision Solutions, Inc. |
800-953-9262 707-544-8000 |
Adaptive equipment for individuals with work-related injuries or with physical or visual impairments. |
|
|
La-Z-Boy |
734-241-4700 |
http://www.lzbcontract.com |
Business furniture |
|
National Office Furniture |
800-215-7000 401-274-9000 |
http://www.nationaloffice.com/ |
New and used office furniture, including chairs. |
|
North Coast Medical Inc. |
800-821-9319 408-283-1900 ext 321 |
Ergonomic products, medical supplies and assistive devices |
|
|
Office Organix |
Montauk, NY 800-569-9236 516-668-3884 |
A division of Maxus, Inc., a 10 year old catalog company. Our company is dedicated to helping keyboard workers improve their office environment. We seek a more conscious understanding of workplace setup and we sell products to enhance both home and corporate offices. |
|
|
Office Relief |
510-383-1190 |
|
|
|
Options by Infogrip |
|
Options features over a hundred products including one hand keyboards, voice recognition software, ergonomic keyboards, mice alternatives, touch screens, switches and switch access products, ergonomic supports, therapy products and much more. |
|
|
Professional Ergonomic Solutions |
888-374-6776 916-447-ERGO (3746) |
Ergonomic products, training and consulting |
|
|
Raynor |
|
|
Chairs available only through dealer representatives. |
|
Relax the Back |
800-222-5728 |
http://www.relaxtheback.com |
Chairs and other ergonomic products |
|
SafeComputing |
408-269-5430 |
Wide selection of keyboards, mice, speech recognition systems and other office accessories available for direct, internet ordering. |
|
|
Steelcase |
888-783-3522 616-247-2710 |
http://www.steelcase.com/i |
Ergonomic chairs |
|
SunWay |
|
|
|
|
Synapse (Marty Tibor) |
888-285-9988 415-455 9700 |
Providers of adaptive and assistive technology solutions. |
|
|
Teknion |
877-TEKNION |