About Ergonomic Chairs
Ergonomics is an important factor of the workplace today. Because more and more jobs depend on the use of the computer and other technology, there are risks from repetitive motion, no matter how slight. Ergonomic chairs help workers prevent injury as well as provide some comfort in the workplace. They are also designed to keep the worker productive. There are different styles of ergonomic chairs today, and they all have the basic functions to satisfy the needs of an ergonomic workplace.
Identification
The ergonomic chair is a chair that is designed with the user in mind. The term ergonomics means the science of designing a workspace to fit the size and needs of the user to create a comfortable, efficient and productive working environment. It should have built-ins that allow the user to customize the chair when she needs.
Function
The function of the ergonomic chair is to prevent injury, especially repetitive stress injury, which is commonly seen in an office environment where there is much repetitive work and limited range of motion. Examples of this type of work are typing, using a computer mouse, computer use and answering phones. Ergonomic chairs function in different environments where a chair may be needed, but especially an office, which can include a receptionist area, a graphic designer's workspace, space for accountants, lawyers and even those using the computer mostly at home.
Types
There are many different types of ergonomic chairs, but most of them have the same basic options. Many different styles are made, but many look like traditional office chairs that you may have seen in a doctor's or dentist's office decades ago. There are modern styles to fit a modern decor as well. The most common styles are the ones that are seen generally in office cubicle environments, which are similar to the image at the top of the article. There are other types of ergonomic chairs that are quite different from more commonly used ergonomic chairs. See "Additional Resources," below, for a link explaining the kneeling ergonomic chair, exercise ball ergonomic chair and the recliner chair.
Prevention/Solution
In order to prevent an injury--especially repetitive stress injury--by using an ergonomic chair, make sure that you adjust the chair to your specific size and needs. Adjust the seat so that your feet are flat on the floor, but your thighs should remain level with the chair seat. Your arms should be at the same level and able to rest on the desk (not press on the desk or have to stretch to reach). If you are too short for the feet to be flat on the floor at the same time that your arms are at the same level as the desk, there are foot rests available to solve that problem. There should be good back support, comfortable but enough that it prevents slouching and bad posture, especially since most professions using this chair spend a significant amount of time sitting. A backrest is very useful to help this. Arm rests should also be adjustable to your comfort level, but not to encourage you to lean on them since the tendency is to lean on one side more than the other. This can result in an uneven strain on the body.
History
The history of ergonomics goes back centuries ago, long before the 1700s. In the 1800s, Wojciech Jastrzebowski coined the term "ergonomics." People have always noticed that certain conditions make work more efficient and less injury-prone. But it is not until fairly recent times that the term ergonomics has been a widely used and understood term. In the early 1900s, manpower was the hugest source of production for companies and factories. Because speed and efficiency were so important, methods were created to improve productivity, which meant improving conditions for workers and devising ways to prevent injury. World War II created another reason for more in-depth study of ergonomic methods and concepts, as military equipment and weaponry such as airplanes and tanks were designed with the needs and efficiency of the soldiers in mind. The slightest injury or split second of a wasted movement could cost injury or even lives. The term has evolved along with its concepts and more widespread use and awareness.
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