The majority of office workers spend as much time seated in a chair as they do in bed. Sedentary jobs can be damaging to workers’ health, but if office workers sit in high-quality, ergonomically designed office chairs, health risks can be minimised.
Sitting at a desk and working on a computer is not a natural activity, so workers can suffer from such conditions as back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, osteoarthritis, poor posture and eye strain. Most of these health problems take a while to develop and sufferers do not always link their health conditions with their job.
The Health and Safety Executive has a handy guide to seating at work that can be downloaded free of charge. The report summarises the reason why unsuitable seating is a problem for both staff and employers, stating:
”Unsuitable seating can cause people to adopt awkward postures which can lead to discomfort, back pain and upper limb disorders. This may prove costly to employers in the form of staff absences, potential civil claims and lost production. “
Ergonomically designed desks and chairs can prevent health damage, as well as making workers feel more comfortable and less stressed.
Workers come in all types of body shape and size, so a chair that adjusts for individual workers is best. With some chairs, both the seat and backrest can be independently adjusted to provide the best support. It also helps for a chair to provide support when workers twist their bodies in order to reach items.
