Why Should You Use An Ergonomic Chair?

Whether you are working in the office or at home, we know how important being comfortable is. Time after time we see workers with poor posture after sitting for lengthy periods of time on the wrong chair. This leads to ailments such as a bad back, aching shoulders, restless legs, sore hips and more. But, what can be done to change this?

Choose an ergonomic chair

An ergonomic chair provides comfort and support where needed. Specifically designed with the human form in mind, ergonomic seating ensure you can sit for long periods of time without becoming uncomfortable and causing long term damage to your body.

The benefits of an ergonomic chair

At first glance, you may not notice much difference between a standard office chair and an ergonomic chair but, they couldn’t be further apart. Here’s why:

1. ) Improved level of comfort – ergonomic chairs provide a lumbar support. This helps to prevent lower back pain which is often the result of not sitting properly for extended time periods. Ergonomic chairs are designed to match the natural curve in your back meaning your back can rest properly with the chair.
2. ) Maintain correct posture – ergonomic chairs facilitate your body’s natural posture by making you sit correctly. Over time, this allows your body to naturally recognise your correct posture with a lumbar support and seat adjustments helping with this.
3. ) Reduction in muscle stress – ergonomic seating means you can sit in the optimal position allowing your body to feel completely relaxed. This means there is not adverse effect on your muscles so you do not experience stress or strain. If you already experience muscle pain, ergonomic chairs can help alleviate this.
4. ) Make the most of your space – all ergonomic chairs come with standard features to ensure you are comfortable whilst sat down. In addition to a lumbar support, features such as adjustable armrests and headrests allow you to adjust the chair to suit you and your surroundings. If you need to save on space, you can alter the chair so that it can be tucked away more easily.
5. ) Long term health benefits – although not instantly obvious, ergonomics is fundamental to your health. The long term effects of sitting on an uncomfortable chair can lead to hard to treat problems. An ergonomic chair encourages correct posture which minimises aches and pains, in turn keeping your healthier and happier.

What to look for in an ergonomic chair

Ergonomic chairs come in many shapes and sizes and it can be hard knowing exactly what to look out for but, don’t worry that’s where we come in. Seat height is a really important factor to consider when looking for a new chair. It should be easily adjustable to allow your feet to rest comfortably on the floor and so that your thighs are horizontal.

The lower back support, also known as the lumbar support in a chair is another important factor to consider. The lumbar support gives a curve at the lower part of the back rest on the chair to give support and stop you from slouching and therefore avoiding a bad back.

Seat width and depth should be another consideration when opting for an ergonomic chair. The seat should have enough space around it to support any user comfortably. The depth of the chair needs to be enough so that the person sitting down can have their back on the back of the backrest. There should be between two and four inches between the back of the knees and the chair.

Additional features such as armrests and a headrest are also great feature of an ergonomic chair, they allow flexibility so you decide when you want to use them. Armrests allow your shoulders to relax and are mostly used when the person sitting down is taking a short break.

Considering the material of your chair can also vastly improve how comfortable you are. Breathable material ensures you can stay ventilated when in a warm, stuffy office. Mesh designed ergonomic chairs can also give the added value of being aesthetically pleasing and can be found in many colours to suit your environment.

DSE Assessments

Having an ergonomic chair is a great way of ensuring you can continue to work comfortably. There are however, many other ways of working that can impact your comfort. Not having your chair adjusted correctly, having your desk or screen at the incorrect height and misusing your keyboard and mouse all impact the way you work.

A display screen equipment (DSE) assessment allows our ergonomic experts to assess your existing workstation set-up to determine if any changes need make to improve your comfort. If adjustments can be made at the time of the assessment they will be done and if new equipment is recommended we can put forward the best solution to improve your comfort. Equally, if you don’t need new equipment, we will work with what you have to make you as comfortable as possible.

Our DSE assessments can be carried out in person or remotely and, we also offer an online DSE assessment solution. Whether you need one assessment or, multiple for your team, we are here to assist. Each DSE assessment will receive a full written report which can also go towards your health and safety audit.

If you would like more information or, would like to book, get in touch today.