What does “ergonomically correct” mean?

Posted on 2018-11-14 by Choice Office Furniture.  Tags: Choice Office Furniture, Ergonomics

A trend in modern furniture is the balance between elegant and ergonomic. If a piece of office furniture fits into the style or vibe of a workplace – it is elegant. But what does it mean if furniture is “ergonomic”? Since the definition of long-term comfort goes beyond preferences for design, let’s have a look at what “ergonomic” actually means. What does it mean to work in an “ergonomically correct” position?

The basis for ergonomics comes down to anatomy and physiology – so how is the human body built and how does it function. The term “ergonomically correct” takes into consideration the natural build and function of the human body.

Ergonomics is primarily discussed in workplaces that are relatively sedimentary. That includes offices where workers are often at their desks or in other environments where standing is the predominant position. All these workplaces have one thing in common: the human body is forced to be in a single position for an extended period of time.

In order to understand ergonomics, we must then understand how the human body functions while sitting – since that is the most common position in an office. The most “natural” position is the most ergonomic one.

A 2007 study by British researchers explored the anatomical and physiological principles in chair design. The researchers explored the factors that made chairs ergonomically correct by looking into how the body is designed and performs within an office chair. The researchers came up with the following conclusions that showcase the correct ergonomics for sitting:

1. Changing posture and position is important to improve comfort. So good chairs allow for freedom of movement and quality support in a variety of positions.

2. The thighs are anatomically unsuited to supporting the weight of a body in the sitting position. So good chairs should support the weight of the body at the base of the spine (so away from the thighs).

3. Since thighs are not suitable to supporting all weight while seated, a chair needs to be low enough so weight is positioned near the rear. A variety of chair sizes can accommodate a variety of lengths in legs.

4. In some scenarios, flat benches can be more ideal than big chairs. Backrests run the risk of the individual leaning back, and this means that there is more pressure on the thighs than on the hips. For chairs that have backs, it is important that they complement a proper posture (by subtlety leaning forward) than allowing the individual to lean back in uncomfortable positions.

5. Even though chairs are used most often for sitting, it is important to also consider the act of getting up off the chair. Excessive footrests can limit the comfort or ease of getting up. And any prevention to getting up and moving position should be reduced.

6. Chairs should encourage movement while sitting. So backrests shaped liked saddles provide support but encourage regular adjustments.

7. Workspaces are made of two important parts: the chair and the desk. Both should be aligned to be an ideal height for posture, comfort and long-term functions.

At the core, “ergonomically correct” means adjusting the chair and desk to suit the body. It may come down to subtle adjustments, but ergonomics leads to ongoing comfort when the body is in a single position for a long period of time.