Alternative Office Seating
Kneeling, Sit-Stand and Saddle Chairs
There are a number of different types of alternative office seating available including knieeling, sit-stand and saddle chairs.
These types of seating are not necessarily better or worse than conventional ergonomic office seating, however they may not provide optimum support in a workplace where many hours are spent in sitting.
There are no current guidelines or design standards available for alternative chairs, however WorkSafe Victoria recommends that these chairs are not used for constant sitting, and that conventional chairs are also required in the office environment. Should an individual at the University of Melbourne wish to use an alternative office chair, they should first seek the advice of their treating practitioner.
Fitness Balls
The fitness ball is not recommended for use as office seating due to:
- Loss of upright posture because there is not full seat and back support.
- Upright posture not being maintained during tasks that require reaching or moving around. Users are also unable to swivel or navigate around the workstation.
- The sitting surface of the fitness ball does not provide adequate support for the buttocks and thighs.
- Getting on and off or reaching from the ball may be a falling hazard.
Recommendations:
- The fitness ball may be used to provide postural breaks and do stretches or exercises during breaks from work.
- The fitness ball may be recommended by a health professional for a specific person following an injury. In this case the use of the ball should be prescribed in a documented and supervised treatment program.