Ergonomic Chairs

Office ChairWhen it comes to office chairs, one size does not fit all.

And considering that most people spend as much time at their desk at work as they do in their bed at home, having an ergonomically correct office chair is an essential element of a safe and productive computer workstation.

Ergonomics addresses the ‘fit’ between people and their work to ensure that tasks and equipment suit each worker. The right chair can help prevent back pain and repetitive motion injury.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the chair’s backrest should conform to the natural curvature of your spine, and provide adequate lumbar, or lower back, support.

The seat should feel comfortable, and your feet should rest flat on the floor or on a footrest. Armrests, if used, should allow your shoulders to relax without being hunched up and elbows should remain close to the body. A chair that is adjustable allows for better fit and posture, as well as a variety of sitting positions throughout the workday.

Working for too long in any one position can lead to physical stress and pain, so no matter how ergonomically correct your chair may be, it’s still a good idea to take breaks, stand up, walk around and stretch at intervals throughout the day.

Sources: OSHA, Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety, wikipedia.org