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Useful Websites:
BackCare: Telephone 0845 130 2704. Website www.backpain.org. email info@backcare.org.uk
The Heath & Safety Executive (HSE): Helpline 0845 345 0055. Website www.hsebooks.co.uk
Useful Publications:
Health & Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992, amended 2002. HSE Books 2003 ISBN
0 7176 2582 6.
The law on VDUs:An easy guide to Health & Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992
(amended 2002). HSG90 HSE Books 2003 ISBN 0 7176 2602 4.
Understanding Ergonomics at Work. HSE Books INDG90.
Working with VDUs. HSE Books INDG36.
For a wide range of back care books and all kinds of self-help and back pain management advice,
visit the BackCare site listed above.
Seating in your workplace—
Useful tips
In a nutshell, an office chair should allow the user to find the most comfortable position.
The word allow
is emphasised because so many chairs are simply not adjustable enough.
When choosing a chair, look for:
♦ Seat height adjustment, which permits a wide range of seat height settings
♦ Seat tilt adjustment, where the seat can be angled forward, set level or tilted backwards.
♦ Back height adjustment, easily altered by the user, preferably while sat in the chair.
♦ Back angle adjustment, where the back’s ‘angle of attack’ can be altered to suit a task.
♦ Arm height adjustment, to let the user select a height which supports their arm weight.
♦ Arm width adjustment, offering support while the user’s arms are kept close to their sides.
♦ Appropriate support for the lumbar (lower) and thoracic (upper) part of the back.
♦ A seat cushion which prevents excess pressure under the thighs and behind the knees.
Chairs do not need all these features; however, most if not all, can be found on many
models we’ve selected for this catalogue.
Good posture can be easily achieved in a chair and desk are well set up for the task in hand.
⇒ When settling down to work, try to:
⇒ Leave plenty of space for your legs under the desk.
⇒ Make sure your chair armrests do not collide with the desk or prevent you sitting as near
as you want to your workstation.
⇒ Keep your forearms approximately horizontal. The right kind or armrests should help you
achieve this.
⇒ Try to avoid undue extension, flexion or awkward deviation of the wrists.
⇒ Set your computer screen height to prevent awkward neck positions. Looking straight at
a screen is much better than peering up, down or sideways at it for hours on end.
⇒ Leave ample room in front of the keyboard, so arms and wrists can be well rested during
pauses.
⇒ Consider using a footrest, if you cannot rest you feet on the floor once the chair and desk
heights are in set at correct and comfortable heights.
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