Floor work: why is an ergonomic stool necessary?

Many professions require the adoption of a kneeling posture to perform work on the ground. We only have to think of plumbers, electricians or welders who are likely to find themselves in a kneeling position, combined with restrictive postures of the trunk and upper limbs. Obviously, most of them use knee protectors to reduce their discomfort. However, this type of protector can quickly become uncomfortable and does not necessarily reduce musculoskeletal risks related to the posture of the back and upper limbs, as some ergonomic stools can do.

This article presents the benefits of using ergonomic stools for working on the floor.

RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH KNEELING POSTURE

The kneeling posture does not correspond to a so-called natural positioning for human beings. Indeed, the anatomy of the knee is not designed to withstand efforts maintained over long periods in this position. This is why the vast majority of employees who have to kneel to carry out certain of their tasks complain of discomfort. In the long term, these discomforts transform into more serious musculoskeletal disorders due to the pressure stress that the knee joint undergoes repeatedly. In addition, this restrictive posture may involve contact with uneven ground or support areas, which may be damp and covered with certain products or particles.

Thus, we may see redness, calluses and possibly bursitis on the knees. Bursitis is the inflammation of the fluid-filled bursae which serve to facilitate sliding between the different structures of the joint during knee movement. Also, a kneeling posture is unhealthy for blood circulation in the lower limbs, which can cause significant discomfort.

In order to limit the discomfort associated with this posture, knee protectors are often the option chosen. This choice is indeed affordable and practical when it comes to kneeling work for short periods during the shift. However, knee protectors have some shortcomings when it comes to performing one or more tasks in a kneeling position over a long period of time. Among other things, these protectors can become irritating in the hollow of the knees and they unfortunately do not help avoid restrictive postures of the trunk and upper limbs. For example, if a worker must kneel to work under any structure or equipment, they will likely need to bend and/or twist their trunk in order to position themselves correctly.

WHY USE AN ERGONOMIC STOOL FOR FLOOR WORK?

There are different types of stools to avoid restrictive postures, including working on the ground in a kneeling position. Among these, here are two models allowing you to adapt your posture according to the requirements of the task to be carried out:

1- FLEX

This ergonomic stool allows a sitting position on the ground, while benefiting from back support. The inclination of the backrest adjusts according to body movement. The position adopted on the Flex allows you to maintain effective blood circulation in the lower limbs, while ensuring that your back is kept straight. The backrest can also be used as a seat when performing tasks in a higher height area. Once again, this position helps avoid strain on the knees and back when working on the ground.

2- FLEX2

This stool allows the same type of positioning as the Flex while offering some additional advantages. First, its larger backrest allows optimal support from the cervical to lumbar region and offers different degrees of inclination to satisfy a multitude of tasks on the ground. In addition, the Flex 2 is equipped with armrests which are essential to reduce fatigue in the upper limbs.
3- STAG4

The stag4 is an ergonomic stool that allows you to work on the ground or in a higher area, ranging from a few centimeters to approximately 5 feet in height, thanks to the three possible positions.

– Kneeling on the padded supports, the worker leans on the plastron. This posture allows the performance of tasks on the ground while ensuring comfort

knees and lower limbs and optimal alignment of the spine.

– Still kneeling on the supports provided for this purpose, the worker now supports himself at the level of the buttocks on the inclined seat. This positioning allows tasks to be carried out at a greater height while preserving the natural curvatures of the spine and limiting the feeling of pressure in the knee joint.

– For work carried out at a height of 4 or 5 feet, it is possible to use only the seat as a stool. This posture helps avoid flexion of the trunk or knees, thus reducing discomfort.

PROPERLY ASSESS NEEDS

Before purchasing such equipment, it is essential to analyze the requirements and specificities of the tasks to ensure that the product can meet them. Testing different types of stools available on the market can also help you validate whether the product meets your expectations and whether it is effective in your work context.

Ergonomic stools designed for floor work can represent a significant amount of money compared to other options. However, these stools provide a comfortable and much less risky posture for workers. We must therefore view the purchase of this type of equipment as an investment that can help avoid many physical hassles in the short and long term.

To try one of our products for free, contact our team of Synetik experts who will be able to assess your business needs!