Most jobs nowadays require people to be seated whilst working, whether that be in a supermarket or at a computer-based role. Unsuitable seating, or a poorly adjusted office chair can cause people to adopt awkward postures and sitting postures, which in turn leads to discomfort, back pain and upper limb disorders. The following guidelines will help you to adjust your chair correctly and maximise comfort and support.
Adjust using the lever under the seat on the right, with up and down arrows. Set the chair height so that the underside of your elbows are at desk level.
Ensure they are placed firmly on the floor. Sit well back in your chair and make sure your feet are firmly grounded.
Adjust using the lever on the right side at the back of your chair. Sitting with the seat horizontal or sloping backwards provides a comfortable, relaxing sitting position while maintaining good posture. It can nevertheless tilt you slightly away from your desk. Sitting on a slight angle in a forward position towards the desk relieves pressure under the thighs and provides a more open hip angle and improves back posture.
Adjust using the lever on the right, showing backward and forward arrows. When working on an ergonomic workstation, a fairly upright sitting position is best. When talking, at meetings or reading off the screen, reclining the backrest is relaxing and provides a nice change for the back.
A comfortable computer chair has a well-shaped backrest cushioning. The most protruding part of this should fit into the lower back around waist level. You may need to loosen a lever or knob at the base of the backrest. If there is no knob or lever you must have a ratchet style adjustment.
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