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Office Chairs and Ergonomics - Looks Can Be Deceiving
By Amy Pedersen
As I walked into the office warehouse, I was shocked at the number of task office chairs lined up, but even more amazed at how similar in appearance they all seemed, even from up close. With tilt mechanism levers, seat height adjustments features, knobs, levers, etc., they all still looked like a basic seat, seat back, arms and rolling caster wheels. That is until I actually sat down on a few and realized why some chairs do not exactly scream out " Sit on this ".
That day I compared many different task chairs and started to separate them out into groups in order to arrange them by features, mechanisms and colors. Having worked in the office industry for many years now, I was used to having to actually "get down to the basics" of an office chair because while they all may look alike, looks can be deceiving. We were currently liquidating an office that was closing and consigning the furniture online for the owners and I marveled at the differences once seated in these chairs.
For example, I took 4 Herman Miller Task Chairs that were up for sale and wrote up a bio on each and of course, took a seat. One of the models was the exact chair that I currently am sitting in at my current workspace and while coincidental, was of course my favorite seat on the warehouse.
It was little different in appearance from the other three task seats sitting next to it. All four chairs were upholstered in Burgundy cotton fabric with adjustable arms and rolling casters. All had three levers and a tension knob and although slightly different, looked relatively the same.
However, all of these levers came with a different purpose and it was up to the user to determine which features best suited his or her needs. The everyday medical technician has different ergonomic needs than the average computer programmer and the same can be said for the body positions needed for different tasks and work situations.
For me, spending far too many hours in front of the computer per day and typing away, I require a chair with a very relaxed tilt mechanism that moves with my body, allowing the seat back to move independently from the seat itself and keeping my feet firmly on the floor.
This type of chair with the height adjustments needed for me to be comfortable was perfect in reminding me to keep good posture, which is key for good ergonomics and long-term body health. It is essential to keep in mind that an office chair cannot help you to keep your body healthy, no matter how high end, it is your body that needs to sit properly in order to stay healthy and keep your muscles and back from aching.
For other professions where the positioning is changing constantly throughout the day and mobility is necessary, this may not be the correct chair. When picking your new task office chair, make sure that you consider what you will be using it for the most and for which tasks in order to make sure to get a chair that will fit your comfort ability and enable you to be healthy and productive in the workplace.
About the Author
Author Amy Pedersen works in the ergonomics and office furniture industry and is an expert in her field. Please visit her ergonomic websites to see more information and details on executive, mesh, leather, task and ergonomic office chairs and furniture to maintain your workstation.
Sit On This Ergonomics:
http://stores.ebay.com/sitonthisergonomics
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| Some other articles by Amy Pedersen | |
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