Ergonomic Advice

Ergonomics is defined as, "an applied science concerned with designing and arranging things people use so that the people and things interact most efficiently and safely." [1] An individually adjusted ergonomic office chair and the correct office furniture will ensure workplace injuries are kept to a minimum.

For many of us maintaining correct posture and ergonomic work practices for hours at a time, is challenging. The human body tires and our postural muscles relax resulting in sub-optimal postures.

So, what is the correct way to set up an ergonomically correct workstation? Let's look at the main component of an office workstation:

An office chair or task chair is the main item that can be adjusted for individual comfort and support. Consider these key factors when looking at the chair and it's suitability for the individual and job:

• it should be adjustable from the seated position
• the seat should be both height and tilt adjustable, again from the seated position and preferably via a gas lift lever;
• the seat should have a curved and comfortable front edge, to minimise pressure on the thighs
• it should have a supportive backrest that is adjustable in height, angle and depth, a built-in adjustable lumbar section is most suitable;
• the seat and backrest should be covered in a breathable fabric;
• it should have a five-star base for stability, with multi directional wheels; and
• armrests are personal choice; they provide rest when the individual is not keying, but can be problematic if they don't fit under the desk height. If provided, armrests should preferably be adjustable in height, or removable if the desk height is static

[1] Merriam Webster. 2019. Ergonomics. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ergonomics. [Accessed 12 July 2019].