Ergonomic Chair Features
- Ergonomic chairs are often sleek and stylish.office chair image by Ekaterina Sidorenko from Fotolia.com
Ergonomics is becoming more relevant in the office environment as our society spends more time working at computers. According to the United States Department of Labor, Occupational Safety & Health Administration, "a chair that is well-designed and appropriately adjusted is an essential element of a safe and productive computer workstation." The features of an ergonomic chair are well adapted to the form of the human body and can positively impact the neck, lower back and spine. - Since ergonomic chairs have to accommodate many users, it's important they have a stable and sturdy base. A stable base will prevent tilting of the chair as you move around your workstation. Ideally, the chair will feature a five-leg, pinwheellike base for added safety and stability.
- The chair should easily rotate and swivel so you can reach different areas of your work station without straining to do so.
- North Carolina State University ergonomic workstation guidelines state that seat width should be between 17 to 20 inches. The depth of the seat should allow for your back to lean against the backrest without your knees cutting into the rounded edge of the seat.
- Ergonomic chairs have a seat height that can be adjusted. A common range is between 16 to 20.5 inches from the floor, as noted by North Carolina State University. On Spine-Health.com, chiropractor Rodney K. Lefler suggests that with the appropriate seat height, thighs should be horizontal, lower legs should be vertical and feet should be flat on the floor.
- Seat fabric should be breathable for comfort and adequate air circulation. Mesh fabric is commonly featured in ergonomic chairs. Firm padding can also aid in the comfort of chairs.
- The backrest should offer firm support, especially in the lumbar (lower back) region, should be 12 to 19 inches wide and should be easily adjustable both in angle and height while sitting, according to Lefler. “Lower back support in an ergonomic chair is very important,” he says. An ergonomic chair should have a lumbar adjustment to support the inward curve of the lower back to prevent slouching and strain on the lower spine.
- Armrests are an optional feature and depend on your preferences. Adjustable armrests can be lowered or converted to move out of the way. Armrests should not restrict movement or interfere with your ability to get close to your workstation. For comfort and support, armrests should feature rubber-coated padding.
