Ergonomic seems to be the new buzz word around the office and water cooler. What does it mean and why is it important? Ergonomic simply means space and equipment used to perform work, is designed to fit the worker in such a way as to minimize or eliminate repetitive injuries. Ergonomic workstations, furniture and equipment are designed for the comfort and health of the worker to ensure safety, minimize fatigue, and increase production. Ergonomics is good for business, good for health, and good for you.

A primary piece of furniture in any office is the office desk chair. Sitting for long hours in an uncomfortable chair causes fatigue and poor posture. Over time, serious health problems such as lower back strain, neck pain, and decreased oxygen intake due to poor posture, will cause decreased quality of life and decreased productivity. When considering the office chair, it is important to take several things into consideration. The way a chair looks and how it blends with other furniture should not be the most important criteria. Comfort and safety should always be the top priority. Consider the following features when choosing an ergonomic desk chair.

1. Adjustable seat. The seat should be designed so it can be adjusted to the proper height of the user. There is no “one size fits all”. Rather, the chair should be “one chair fits all sizes.”

2. Lumbar support. Many people suffer from poor posture and lower back pain. A good lumbar support is essential. An adjustable lumbar support is even better. This will help in maintaining good posture and take strain off the lower lumbar area of the back.

3. The arm rests. Arm rests are important for maintaining a relaxed position taking strain off the neck and shoulders. They should also be adjustable in order to fit the unique body size of the user. 

4. Seat cushion. A seat cushion is very important. Most likely the user will spend many hours in the chair and could experience pain in the sacrum area. If a seat is too hard over time this will become very painful. Pressure points will occur causing numbness as well. A good seat cushion will support your weight and be comfortable where it will not cause pain or breakdown of skin similar to bed sores.

5. The seat pan is important. The seat pan is the surface you sit on. It is important the seat pan has rounded edges in the front so as not to cut off circulation to your legs as they hang over the edge. The chair should be adjusted in such a way as to enable you to sit with both feet on the floor and your knees bent at a ninety degree angle. 

6. The material used to make the ergonomic desk chair should breath so the user will not feel uncomfortably warm. You should feel like you are sitting on air. 

7. The chair must support the user. Many desk chairs will recline, swivel, and roll. The ergonomic desk chair may do all these things but will always support the user and maintain good posture and protect them from falling over. 

8. The chair must fit the desk. Having an ergonomic desk chair that does not fit the desk or workstation defeats the whole purpose. The user must be able to come to the desk or work surface in a good position in order to do their task in a comfortably safe way. This will go a long way to reduce carpal tunnel injury, and other work related injuries in the office environment.

Ergonomics: For Your Safety and the Future

Many people's jobs place them in situations that can be a danger to their health. Office jobs don't seem like they would pose this type of a threat, but they can. Fortunately there are things that can be doe to minimize these threats. 

Ergonomics is the wave of the future. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) has set down guidelines to keep workers healthy and workplaces safe. There is constant research being done to improve the already existing ergonomic furniture of today. This is an important thing to keep in mind. Look for more improvements in the ergonomic desk chair in the future.