Ergonomic Seating
One chair doesn’t fit all?
Ergonomic seating could be the answer.
As we all know prolonged sitting is cause for concern in the workplace. Poor seating practices result in a negative impact on the body and the number of people suffering from back, neck and shoulder issues continues to rise costing British business dearly. Improving our working posture is therefore key to improving productivity and, although it is only one component to be considered in workstation design, ergonomic chairs can solve many of these problems.
What is an ergonomic chair?
An ergonomic chair is designed with numerous adjustable parts in order that it can be customised to suit the individual. It aims to give the correct support of your posture, weight and lumbar and maximise comfort while sitting. A well designed, well fitted chair results in the user sitting in a balanced position which fits their body dimensions and their required working task.
Ergonomic chairs come in many shapes and sizes and across a wide range of price points. More and more manufacturers are now including ergonomic chairs in their portfolio meaning that the choice is endless and the number of adjustable elements is ever increasing.
Typical Ergonomic Adjustable Options
- Seat Height Adjustment – seat height should be adjusted in order that knees are above hips and feet are flat on the floor.
- Seat Slide – seat depth should be adjusted in order that there is 2-4 inches between the edge of the seat and your knees. Such a position avoids pressure on the back of the knees and allows both legs to settle and blood to flow.
- Seat Tilt – allows for correct positioning of the pelvis into a neutral position.
- Adjustable Arms – height and width can be adjusted in order to reduce upper body tension and find a relaxed shoulder position.
- Back Rest Height & Angle Adjustment – resulting in the chair back being supportive rather rigid. It is important to move the spine through various planes of movement during the day this feature takes the weight from the upper body and supports the spine through movement whilst reducing pressure on discs and muscles.
- Lumbar Support – supports the natural shape of the spine, prevents slumping and reduces stress on the spine and the pelvis for optimal support
- Headrest Adjustment – provides support and reduces tension on the head and neck.
- Coccyx cut-out or memory foam seat to reduce pressure on the lower spine.
So Many Choices
Ergonomic chairs may come with all or a combination of these elements, Not all of these elements are necessary to achieve an optimal seated position for the individual and some of them are optional. A chair only becomes truly ergonomic when it specifically suits the individual’s body dimensions, workstation and task requirement.
At Metric our specialists are all qualified DSE assessors. We will shortlist and loan several sample chairs for a trail comparison by those who will be using them ensuring that the chairs meet every need before selection. We can then recommend the ideal ergonomic chair (or combination of ergonomic chairs) solution to suit you and your workforce (recommending additions/options where necessary). In order that you get the most productive and cost effective solution for you and your workforce.
Take the first step
Step 1.
Download our chair assessment guide and fill in the form to the right for each of your workforce. Alternatively contact us and one of our workplace specialists can call into your office in no time at all to assess each individual requirement.
Step 2.
or Call us / Email us.
- 01784 456850
- info@metric-office.co.uk
