Office Chair Problems and Solutions
| Item |
Problems |
Solutions |
Seat pan |
- The seat is too small for the user and provides inadequate support to lower body.
- The seat is too large requiring user to sit forward or the seat puts pressure behind the knees.
- The seat is too narrow and does not provide adequate sitting space for user.
- The seat is inadequately padded and does not provide adequate cushioning, particularly for the coccyx.
- The front edge of the seat is not rounded and padded so that it puts pressure behind the knees.
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- Try a different chair with larger/smaller seat dimensions. Chair user should feel comfortable and well supported in their office chair and able to sit back comfortably in the seat with back firmly against backrest.
- There should be space, about the width of a clenched fist, between the back of the knee and the front of the chair.
- For optimal comfort, the seat should extend approximately 2cm from the hips on either side of the chair.
- Provide a new office chair with adequate cushioning, minimal contouring and woollen fabric covering.
- Ensure that all new chairs purchased have a well padded and rounded WATERFALL EDGE (see: Selecting an Office Chair).
|
Chair stability |
- It is possible for the chair to tip over when the user leans forward or sidewards too far.
- An office chair (or stool) may roll away when used on non-carpeted floors.
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- Ensure the chair has a 5 star (leg) base. Replace any office chairs with less that a 5 star base.
- If chairs (or stools) are used on non-carpeted surfaces, ensure they are fitted with glides rather than castors.
|
Chair adjustability |
- Chair is set to incorrect height for user.
- The chair user does not know how to use the adjustment mechanisms.
- Broken adjustment mechanisms.
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- Correct chair height is achieved when the feet are firmly placed on the ground (not tucked back onto the chair base). If the correct position cannot be achieved, a footstool may be used. This will allow feet to be placed flat on the footstool with thighs just clearing the edge of the chair.
- Instructions for adjusting your office chair
- Ensure chairs are inspected periodically using the Office/Workplace Environment/Safety Inspection form.
|
Backrest adjustability (height & horizontal backrest movement – forward/backward) |
- Height and horizontal backrest position are set at incorrect position for user, providing inadequate lumbar support.
- Adjustment mechanism is broken.
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- The correct backrest height is achieved when the backrest is firmly positioned in the lumbar region (the inward curved portion) of the lower back.
- The correct horizontal backrest position is achieved when the user is sitting comfortably upright at their workstation at 90º - 100º
- Instructions for adjusting your office chair.
|
Armrests |
- Armrests interfere with correct positioning at workstation
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- Remove armrests from office chair if unsuitable for user.
- When purchasing new office chairs, specify adjustable armrests that are set back from the front edge of the seat to ensure proper positioning at the workstation is able to be achieved.
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Chairmats |
- Chairs may roll away on a chair mat when the user stands up and the chair is not in the same position when the user sits down again.
- Office chair may catch on the edge of the chair mat and tip.
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- Alert users of mats of risk of injury.
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