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Is Your Office Chair Ergonomic?
It always surprises me how much time we spend choosing and office chair compared to a chair for home. Usually we will spend many hours finding the right chair for home while choosing an office chair usually consists of grabbing the nearest available one and checking all the wheels are there! Before you go and grab the next available chair just workout how long you'll be sat in it.
It always surprises me how much time we spend choosing and office chair compared to a chair for home. Usually we will spend many hours finding the right chair for home while choosing an office chair usually consists of grabbing the nearest available one and checking all the wheels are there! Before you go and grab the next available chair just workout how long you’ll be sat in it.
Most people usually find that they have the same chair as the person who previously used their desk. That would be fine if the previous occupant knew how to adjust the chair to make it comfortable and was exactly the same shape and size as you. Unfortunatly the chances of that happening are very very slim. If you are in this situation then it is possible to make some useful changes.
The first thing you nees to do is to check out the full range of adjustment that your chair has. Start at the bottom and adjust the height so that your arms are at a natural and comfortable height. Then adjust the arms so that you can rest your arms on them. Finally adjust the back so that you get firm support from it. If any of the adjustments don’t work or you can’t get comfortable then ask for a new chair.
It never ceases to amaze me how many employers don’t pay attention to the condition of their office chairs. It’s well known that old and poorly adjusted office chairs are a major source of back problems. These problems can result in hundreds of lost working ours through people needeing time off. If you are an employer it will benefit you in the long run to ensure that your staff are sitting comfortably.
There are several things that you should consider before buying a new office chair.
1. Range of adjustment
2. What material is it covered with
3. Type of construction
If you are buying a chair just for yourself you might be able to get away with a chair that has a small range of adjustment. Howerver if it is going to be used by a number of different people then you should look at buying a chair with a larger range of adjustments in all areas.
The type of covering used on office chairs are usually a matter of personal opinion. many peolle like to go with the luxurious feel of leather. While other prefer the comform and ventilation of mesh office chairs. One think most agree on is avoind vinyl covered seats at all costs.
Office chairs can be constructed in many ways. Some come with high backs and others with low backs. You may find ones with headrests incorporated into the construction. How the front of the chair is constructed can have an big effect on the support a user gets. Once again the style of the arm rests can play a big part in the overall comfort of the chair. Bearing in mind all these factors it would be wise to test any chair thoroughly before buying.