Choosing and Using the Right Ergonomic Office Chairs - By: Ava Athaldo

Ergonomic office chairs - choosing and using the right one for you

Sitting in front of a computer for hours at a time without attention to working posture can place stress on the muscles of the back, shoulders and neck and lead to fatigue, back and neck pain, headaches and even permanent injury. The purpose of erg office chair is to promote healthy posture and create a safe, comfortable and productive working environment. Well-designed ergonomic office chairs should provide firm spinal support and reduce muscular tension.

Choosing a chair

These are the essential features to look for when choosing an erg office chair:
• A five-star base. Five legs provide stability and balance to prevent chairs from tipping over when users move suddenly; the legs should be fitted with castors if the chair is used on a carpeted floor, or glides for use on a smooth floor.
• A curved, padded seat edge - so that the seat does not place pressure on the back of the user's legs.
• Cloth covering for the seat and backrest of the chair - to provide comfortable padding and cushion the user's coccyx.
• Adjustable seat height - so that the vertical position of the chair can be set to the correct height for the user;
• Adjustable back rest, allowing height, angle and depth to be varied.

Adjusting the erg office chairs

Adjust the height of the ergonomic office chair until the user is sitting with the feet placed firmly and comfortably on the floor (or on a footrest if necessary).

Alter the height of the back rest so that it provides firm support for the lumbar region of the user's lower back, and adjust the angle of the back rest until the user is sitting comfortably upright.

Adjust the seat depth so that the user's thighs are fully supported except for a one hand-width space between the front edge of the chair and the back of the knees.

Using erg office chairs

An ergonomic chair is designed to encourage good working posture but the best in ergonomic office furniture will be of little use if not used properly. Sit upright, with your shoulders straight and your feet flat on the floor or footrest. Sit with your back against the backrest, and avoid straining the muscles of your back and neck by perching at the front of the chair or slumping forward.

The design and positioning of office furniture such as desks, filing cabinets and office chairs has a strong influence on workplace morale and productivity. When buying erg office chairs, look for ergonomic design features that help you and your employees to work safely and comfortably.

About the Author

Ava Athaldo is a writer with great passion for office furniture designs and tips. Ava shares office furniture tips and no-how through her resourceful articles.

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Ava-Athaldo/200980

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