HOW TO CHOOSE AN ERGONOMIC OFFICE CHAIR?

The computerization of the workplace over the last two decades has had a major impact on the number of workers using a screen in the course of their work. Between 1989 and 2000, the number of workers using computers rose from 33% to 57%, and more than three-quarters of these claim to use them on a daily basis (IRSST, 2008).

These changes, coupled with the increase in office work, have led to the emergence of physical problems, particularly in the upper limbs and spine. After reading this article, your choice of office chair will be better informed, and you’ll know how furniture can influence the adoption of good posture at work.

CHOOSING A CHAIR

Choosing an office chair shouldn’t be complicated, although there are a number of factors to consider. In fact, it’s essential to take into account the user, his tasks and his work environment. Here are the key points to consider when making your equipment purchase decision:

ANTHROPOMETRIC MEASUREMENTS OF THE WORKER

The design of an ergonomic office chair takes into account the physical dimensions of the majority of adult men and women. However, a certain proportion of the population may not correspond to these anthropometric dimensions, necessitating adjustments to the chair’s various parameters.
For example, a very tall person will require a deeper seat to ensure good support for the lower limbs. Also, an overweight person may require a wider seat, while a very short person may need a narrower, shallower seat to ensure ergonomic posture. In short, a person’s anthropometric data are essential for making the right choice of office chair parameters.

PRESENCE OF PAIN OR SPECIFIC USER CONDITIONS

Unfortunately, the presence of pain and discomfort has been raised throughout the numerous scientific studies carried out in the field of office automation. Although sources of pain may stem from inadequate workstation layout, other specific conditions may also explain the cause of some of these discomforts. In such cases, certain precautions need to be taken, depending on the type of office chair.

For example, if a person reports significant discomfort in the lumbar region due to a herniated disc, it may be appropriate to choose a chair with a backrest equipped with adequate lumbar support. In addition, a worker who has developed tendonitis in the upper limbs may justify the choice of armrests providing optimum support.

POSSIBLE ADJUSTMENTS TO CHAIR COMPONENTS

Here are the elements to consider when choosing an ergonomic office chair: :

• The SEAT – of the chair can be adjusted in height, depth and angle to allow the adoption of an ergonomic posture according to the user’s morphology;
• The chair  BACK adjusts in height and angle to promote lumbar support;
• The height and width of the armrests can be adjusted to prevent shoulder strain;
• Armrests can be removed or pivoted inwards to allow the worker to move closer to the work surface.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT DESK

There are also a number of factors to consider when choosing the right type of desk. Here are some criteria to guide your choice:

• The space available and its configuration (rectangular desk, desk with return, individual desk or open top, etc.);
• The main work activity performed on the desk (screen tasks, clerical tasks, customer meetings, etc.);
• Desk with keyboard and mouse positioned on a keyboard drawer or on the work surface, depending on the workers’ morphology and the tasks to be performed;
• Possibility of investing in height-adjustable work tables to enable workers to alternate between sitting and standing.

THE IMPORTANCE OF ADOPTING HEALTHY HABITS AT WORK

Although access to specialized equipment combined with optimal workstation layout is very important to ensure workers’ health, these two elements alone cannot guarantee ideal working conditions.
Indeed, all office workers should pay particular attention to their posture and take regular microbreaks, i.e. every 15 to 20 minutes. These microbreaks should include stretching and warm-up exercises to promote blood circulation and avoid aches and pains!
Work organization should also be considered. Indeed, it has been well-documented that exposure to many hours of work in front of a screen, lack of variability in work tasks and stress in the work environment all contribute to the development of musculoskeletal disorders.

In conclusion, making the right choice of office chair and furniture can seem difficult and complex, given the wide range of products on the market. Ideally, an ergonomic office chair should allow each of its components to be adjusted, but above all it should adapt to the user’s morphology and needs. It is therefore necessary to analyze the requirements relating to the anthropometric dimensions of employees and the work environment concerned. Don’t hesitate to consult an expert to meet your unique needs!