OFFICE WORKSTATION DESIGN
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310-AQT-01-IGDO © 2019, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS)
1 877 494 WSPS (9777) | 905 614 1400 | www.wsps.ca
Chair
The purpose of well-designed seating is to provide stable support that allows
movement, comfort and task accomplishment. Height-adjustable chairs can
help place the user at a proper height for typing, writing and viewing the
monitor, especially when height-adjustable tables are not available.
The height of the chair should allow the feet to rest flat on the floor with the
thighs roughly parallel to the floor. To place shorter workers at a comfortable
typing height, the chair may need to be raised. If a worker's feet cannot reach
the floor, provide a footrest. The ankles are usually most comfortable at an
angle close to 90°; therefore, footrests can be inclined 0-30°.
No single sitting posture can remain comfortable if maintained for prolonged
periods of time. The workstation design, chair design and job organization
should all allow for a change in posture. Movement is important to minimize
fatigue and static effort of the muscles.
Movement may include slightly altering the angles at the neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees and
ankles. In chairs where computer use is the primary task, the seat height, seat angle, backrest height and
backrest angle should be adjustable independently of each other. Workers must be made aware of the
importance of adjusting their chairs correctly and know how to make the adjustments.
Phone
If the phone is frequently used, it is best not to cradle the phone on
the shoulder. To prevent such harmful postures, workers who use
a computer while on the telephone for long periods should wear
head sets.
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