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As an employer, employee workstations and seating don’t often receive adequate attention unless a workplace injury has been reported. Additionally, adequate, suitable seating at work for active duties is a reasonable accommodation that an employee covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) might request in order to perform his or her job duties. Employers who proactively evaluate employees’ seating options during the course of a workday and provide accommodations as needed are likely to have less incidents of absenteeism due to workplace injuries.According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), “A chair that is well-designed and appropriately adjusted is an essential element of a safe and productive computer workstation. A good chair provides necessary support to the back, legs, buttocks, and arms, while reducing exposures to awkward postures, contact stress, and forceful exertions.”
OSHA’s Chair Quick Tips
- The backrest should conform to the natural curvature of your spine, and provide adequate lumbar support.
- The seat should be comfortable and allow your feet to rest flat on the floor or footrest.
- Armrests, if provided, should be soft, allow your shoulders to relax and your elbows to stay close to your body.
- The chair should have a five-leg base with casters that allow easy movement along the floor.
For more information, visit OSHA’s website.
