Definition
The term ergonomic desk chair is not protected, so there is no uniform definition of what characteristics an ergonomic desk chair must have. However, the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has drawn up a guideline as to which recommendations apply to an ergonomic desk chair. Particular attention should be paid to a safe stand, adequate suspension, height adjustment, backrest and armrests.
Who needs an ergonomic office chair?
Many people spend a large part of their everyday life at their desk on an office chair. Whether at work or at home, many people often sit on an office chair for many hours. Basically, all people who regularly sit on an office chair should think about whether their office chair is ergonomically designed.
Although employers are obliged to provide a workstation that corresponds to the “state of the art”, different employers interpret this very differently. An improvement of the workplace by replacing the office chair is therefore often necessary to avoid orthopaedic secondary diseases. Even with a few hours a day it can be worthwhile to change to an ergonomic model to prevent illnesses and tensions.
If complaints already occur or if orthopedic consequences of an unfavorable sitting position have already manifested themselves, an ergonomic office chair should be changed as soon as possible. Diseases which are not exclusively caused by an inadequate office chair, but which are often favored in their development, are herniated discs, pelvic vein thrombosis, lymph congestion or skeletal diseases of the spine. In these cases, an ergonomic office chair can help to heal and rehabilitate the illnesses as well as prevent relapse.
In some cases, however, the purchase of a new, ergonomic office chair is not necessary. This is the case when a sufficiently ergonomic chair is already available. Even if complaints occur, it should first be checked whether the adjustment of the office chair can be changed or whether the sitting position on the chair should be improved in order to ensure ergonomic support. An occupational physician (company physician) can often give advice from the employer. The following topic could also be of interest to you: Examples of exercises for loosening and relaxing while sitting at a desk
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