In today's society, many seats all day long, either in office environments or operating machines. The problem with sitting for too long is that it can put a great deal of stress on the structures of the spine. To prevent developing or worsening back problems, it is essential to have an ergonomic work chair that promotes good posture and support the lower back.
What differentiates an ergonomic work chair from a traditional one is that it is specially designed to provide complete rest to the main structures of the body that are prone to get stressed while sitting for long hours. However, the selection of a suitable chair is essential to prevent problems associated with seating position. Some factors should be considered when buying an ergonomic work chair, including:
What is right for one may not suit the other. Different individuals have different body dimensions, which should be used when selecting a chair so that it doesn't strain one part of the body while fitting another.
As a general rule, the optimal seat height is about one-quarter of the body height.
Different activities require different chairs. Simply said, a computer operator may require a different chair than an industrial worker.
Important features to look for include:
Backrest – it should be adjustable in both backward/forward and vertical directions.
Lumbar Support – lower back support is a must.
Seat Height – it should be easy to adjust.
Seat Width and Depth – the seat should have enough width and depth to support your body comfortably.
Arm Rests – should be adjustable.
Stability – a high-quality base is recommended for most working environments.
Swivel – any ergonomic chair should rotate easily.
Seat Material – it should have enough padding to be comfortable to sit on for long periods of time.
An ergonomic work chair can not only reduce potential damage but when combined with specific training, it can also boost employee output. According to studies, this measure can actually help reduce orthopedic damage and even increase employee productivity.
Although many workplaces look to cut costs by investing in cheaply manufactured furniture, this is not a smart choice as research has proved that quality ergonomic seating makes a big difference between happy productive employees can costly workers compensation.
Which category your business to fit into? If your employees haven't been equipped with ergonomic seating yet, it may be something that needs to be taken care!
