The #1 Office Hazard
If you work in an office, you are 2 to 2.5 times more likely to endure a disabling injury from a fall than non-office workers. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one of the most common causes of falls is bending or reaching for something while seated on an unstable chair. This is where office ergonomics can make a big difference in reducing the risk of an office injury while seated at your workspace.
After all, ergonomics is all about fitting your workspace to your needs.
There are 3 things wrong in the below photo, can you identify them?
Questions you should be asking when assessing chair safety
Is your chair on a soft (carpet) or hard surface?
Chairs with hard wheels should be used on soft surfaces (carpet) and chairs with soft wheels can be used on hard floors. Office furniture should be reassessed when physical office spaces have been remodeled to include new flooring.
How long have you had your office chair?
Chairs do not last forever as the lifespan of most chairs is seven years. Schedule an ergonomic assessment if you suspect your chair may be nearing it's lifespan.
Do your feet reach the floor when you sit down?
When adjusting your office chair, be sure the chair is at the proper height. Your legs should be perpendicular to the ground and 90 degrees at your knees with feet flat on the floor.
Does your chair support your back?
Lumbar support can greatly help in supporting your back. Many chairs include lumbar adjustments but you can also add lumbar cushions to provide more support.
How to adjust your chair
- Familiarize yourself with the adjustments by consulting the chairs owner’s manual or product webpage.
- Use a mirror or even a cell phone to view yourself sitting in the chair. This is a great way to identify areas where adjustments might be needed.
- Ergonomic safety training is available on CSU Learn that can teach you the basics of adjusting your workstation. We highly recommend this resource so you can proactively monitor your workstation adjustments over time.
- Contact EH&S for an ergonomic evaluation if you still need help and an EH&S team member can assist you.
Resources
We've provided a resource for managers who are purchasing on-site office chairs for their employees' workspaces. This resource includes recommended chairs that contain appropriate features and warranty options.
Minimize the risk of development work-related repetitive motion injuries (RMIs) by completing this recommended course on CSU Learn.
Ergonomics Screening Questionnaire
Ready to schedule an ergonomics consultation with EHS? Complete this online questionnaire.