Awkward seated postures and lengthy periods of sitting may increase
your risk of injury. It is important that you are comfortable while
sitting, as remaining in an awkward seated posture can increase your
fatigue level, tighten muscles, or irritate nerves. When your body is
fatigued or in discomfort, the risk of injury increases, and productivity
and accuracy decrease. An awkward seated posture is especially risky
if it is combined with lengthy periods of sitting, or other awkward
body postures, and eventually you may have trouble doing even simple
tasks, such as reaching for the telephone.
When you remain in the same seated posture for a long time, your blood
flow slows down and you may begin to feel tired. The muscles in your
neck, shoulders, and back become fatigued. Recognize opportunities to
get out of your chair and move around. Instead of reaching up to the
overhead bin, stand up. Instead of reaching to the printer, place the
printer farther away so you must get up and walk to it. Stand up to
take a phone call. Moving around keeps the blood flowing and prevents
muscle fatigue and cramping.
When your chair is properly adjusted
1a-b. Your feet are resting comfortably
on the floor or on a footrest, and your knees are slightly lower than
your hips.
2. There
is a 2- 4-inch gap between the back of your knees and the front edge
of the chair when your back is against the chair.
3. The
curve of the chair back fits into the deepest part of the curve in your
lower back.
4. The
back of the chair is upright or tilted back for comfort.
5. Armrests
are adjusted so that they are just slightly below your elbows when your
shoulders are relaxed.
6. Armrests
do not interfere with access to keying, mousing, or writing surfaces.
You may need to adjust the height of your chair every day, depending
upon the job task, and the shoes you are wearing (the higher the heels,
the higher the chair will be raised). If the seat pan height is changed,
the keyboard and monitor will need to be adjusted, as well.
