Ergonomics Key in Selecting Workstation Seating and Desks

MILPITAS, CA--(Marketwire - July 7, 2009) - According to spine-health.com sitting in an office chair can be just as strenuous and painful to your back as lifting heavy objects all day long. It is important to have a chair that gives good overall support and promotes proper posture, the website suggests.

Proper positioning of workstation desks is equally important as companies work to meet OSHA and other regulations dealing with ergonomics in the office. The OSHA website on ergonomic solutions notes that a well-designed and appropriately adjusted desk will provide adequate clearance for legs, allow proper placement of computer components and accessories, and minimize awkward postures and exertions that lead to strain and employee discomfort.

Because selecting correct chairs and desks cannot be done on a 'one size fits all basis' purchasers should have a list of 'ergonomic check points' when comparing offerings by manufacturers and office solutions suppliers.

Basic seating selection tips:

-- Padded seat cushions with a waterfall edge to improve blood flow

-- Adjustable padded armrests allow shoulders to relax and elbows to stay close to the body

-- Adjustable backrests allow users to recline while supporting the back in a variety of seated postures

-- Adjustable lumbar support

-- Adjustable headrests prevent static loading of the neck and shoulder muscles

-- Adjustable height so work surface levels match the height of the elbow

Ergonomically friendly desk tips:

-- Ample room to comfortably place the monitor, keyboard and mouse plus needed support/reference materials

-- Sufficient depth so that computer screens are in the center of vision and approximately 20 inches away

-- Easily adjustable keyboard tray height

-- Curvilinear designs and cascaded edges to minimize contact stress

Complying with ergonomic recommendations pays big dividends in employee comfort and productivity. The cost of compliance can be substantially reduced when dealing with office solution suppliers such as EQA Office Furniture that offer a broad range of new, discount or fully reconditioned and warranted used workstation seating and desks. Many such firms provide free space planning consultancy to match seating and desks to the tasks being performed.

Contact Information: Contact: Bruce Mallet