Keeping Office Furniture Ergonomic

When you're looking for an office chair, it's important to select something that is ergonomic to avoid back pain and strains created by sitting uncomfortably for the duration of your day. Keep in mind most office workers are in their chairs eight to ten hours every day, and the most common complaints from office workers are back strains and carpal tunnel syndrome. Both of these can be prevented with some simple office ergonomic planning.

There are few features to look for in your office furniture, most importantly in your chair. Start by finding a chair that has an adjustable seat height. Ideally, you want to have an adjustment range from sixteen to twenty one inches off the floor. This allows for the user of the chair to be able to sit at a comfortable height with the desk.

Another feature you want to look at when you're considering your choices of office furniture is a chair that has enough width and depth to support the user comfortably. The average chair is 17 to 20 inches wide. However, if you are a heavier person, you should look for a chair that's going to accommodate you comfortably. Ergonomic office chairs are usually the only office chairs that offer a choice in depth and width selections.

The back of the chair is also an important aspect to take into consideration. When you're sitting in your office chair your back should be against the backrest with two to four inches between the back of your knees and the seat of the chair. The chair should also come equipped with a forward/backward tilt-adjusting bar. This allows the chair to be adjusted to each individual person instead of relying on a one chair fits all mentality.

It's important to look for lumbar support. The lumbar support will help reduce back pain and relieve the strain from sitting all day without support. The chair should offer lower back support in the lumbar area.

Look for office furniture that has breathable material and is sufficiently padded to so that it is comfortable and supportive of the person using it. And be sure your office chair has armrests that are adjustable so your shoulders are relaxed and your forearms are level with the desk when you use your computer or word processor.

Finally you want to make sure you chair swivels so you can easily turn in your chair without having to twist your body to get things around her desk.

Selecting ergonomic office furniture can help your employees stay healthy and on the job. What you save on workers comp and sick time claims from office injuries will more than make up for the extra expense of a decent chair.

Remember, you get what you pay for, and even though it may cost a little extra to have a good ergonomic chair, quality is worth paying for.