What are the basic requirements for sitting comfort?
A workstation suitable for the worker and the tasks plus good job design are important for workers who work in a sitting position.
Workstation
A workstation should allow the worker to sit in a balanced body position.
- Use a workstation that ensures that the alignment of the spine is the same whether the worker sits or stands.
- Use a workstation that allows the worker to move the spine freely.
Job design
A job design should allow the worker to work in a variety of balanced positions.
- Design tasks so they require movement of the spine and encourage the worker to alternate positions frequently.
- Avoid an excessive range of movement by:
- providing all materials at working level.
- positioning tasks within easy reach.
- avoid lifting and transferring loads while sitting.
- Position visual tasks that maintain the vertical alignment of the head and spine
- Design the lighting system to:
- provide good general lighting.
- provide task lighting where necessary.
- avoid glare.
How should manual tasks be designed?
Design manual tasks to maintain vertical alignment of the spine, and avoid constant stress on the shoulder region.
- Provide materials at or slightly below elbow height.
- Provide arm rests where appropriate.
- Provide tool balancers.
- Avoid heavy hand tools.
What should be considered when a foot task is necessary?
- Position foot tasks so that they can be done without twisting hips.
- Design foot tasks to avoid movement and exertion by only one leg.
- Provide the appropriate support for both working and non-working leg.
- Design a sitting task that encourages the worker to alternate positions frequently.
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