Office Chairs

Issue

Hazard

Possible solutions

Check it

Seat dimensions

• Chair too small for user, and does not allow user to vary sitting position.
• Chair is too large, and does not provide adequate support for back.

• Try chairs of different styles and dimensions until user feels secure, has adequate support and feels comfortable.

Chair adjustment

• Chair height is incorrectly adjusted.

• User does not understand how to use the adjusting mechanisms correctly.
• Adjusting mechanism is not working.

• Chair has no tilt adjustment for the seat pan.
  

• Chair height is correctly adjusted when the entire sole of the foot can rest on the floor, and the back of the knee is slightly clear of edge of seat.
• Have all staff trained how to adjust their chairs correctly obeying ergonomic principles.
• Arrange periodic inspection and repair or replace any chairs with faulty adjustment mechanisms.
• When purchasing new chairs, specify seat pans to have an adjustable tilt angle.

Seatpan design

• Front edge of seat insufficiently rounded and padded.

• When purchasing new chairs specify seat pans to have a well padded rounded 'waterfall edge'.

Stability

• Chair can tip over when user leans over too far.

• Chairs/stools with castors when used on non-carpeted floors may roll away when sitting.

• Check that chair is fitted with a 5 star base. Replace office chairs with less than a 5 star base.
• Ensure chairs or stools to be used on non-carpeted floors are fitted with glides not castors.

Armrests

• Armrests may 'jam' fingers under edge of desk
• Armrests obstruct correct keyboarding position.

• Adjust or remove armrests to prevent injury.
• When purchasing new chairs, specify adjustable armrests to ensure proper height is achievable.

Structural failures

• Chair has an undetected structural failure.

• Arrange periodic check of all chairs for signs of damage, and have faults repaired immediately.

Improper use

• Chair topples backwards when occupant
  tilts it too far back on its base or legs.

• Alert all users to risk of serious injury which may result from this practice.

High chairs/stools

• User misjudges height or slips or overbalances whilst getting on or off.

• Alert all users of high chairs or stools of the need for particular care when getting on or off these.