University of Sheffield

Staff Occupational Health Service

Choosing an Office Chair

The chair you use is an important factor which affects your posture; no one
posture should be maintained for long periods of time. It is essential,
especially for those with problems, such as low back pain, to vary their posture
as much as possible throughout the day.

Listed below are some general rules to follow when choosing a chair in order to
avoid postures which can be risky, damaging and fatiguing. It is very
important to trial a chair at your own workstation, most companies are happy
to loan chairs of choice on a short-term basis.

1. Is the seat height adjustable?

This is a basic requirement of any office seat and should be possible to adjust
whilst seated.

2. Is there enough adjustability of the seat height?

You should be able to adjust the height of the seat so that your desk is at a
comfortable height for paperwork, or your keyboard is at, or just below elbow
height.

With your chair set as above:-

3. Are your feet resting firmly on the floor?

If not, you may require a footrest. This is especially important for those with
lower back problems as unsupported feet can cause more stress on the spine.

4. Are your thighs comfortably supported?

Is there pressure behind the knees when using the backrest? If so, it may be
that the seat is too deep or the seat may not have a waterfall edge. You should
be able to place 2 fingers comfortably between the back of the knees and the
edge of the chair.

5. Is the seat wide enough to accommodate hips and allow for

movement?

Seats are available in varying depths and widths and chairs also have weight
limits.

6. Is the seat tilt adjustable?

A seat tilt mechanism can be useful as it allows for change in posture

throughout the working day. Slightly forward tilting chairs may be more
comfortable and can promote a better posture, but too much of a tilt, if not
adjustable can be fatiguing and give the feeling of being tipped from the chair.

7. Is the backrest adjustable?

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Staff Occupational Health Service

Backrests should be adjustable in both height and tilt, independently of the

seat. You should be able to set the height and tilt so that it supports the small
of your back. The size of the backrest preferred depends on the individual and
any back/shoulder problems they may have. Long backrests support the back
and shoulders but some people may find them restricting. Headrests are also a
personal preference.

8. All adjustments should be made easily from a seated position

Levers should not be placed in awkward positions or require too much force
that you have to stand to make adjustments.

9. The chair should be stable

5-star bases are recommended; castors or gliders are useful for mobility but
are unsafe on high seats or non-carpeted floors.

10. The seat padding should be comfortable

The softness of seat padding depends on personal preference but check that it
does not cause any undue pressure on e.g. backs of the thighs. The material
should be natural so as not to cause sweating and should conform to fire safety
standards.

11. Armrests

Some people may prefer the added support of armrests but ensure that they
are height adjustable and fit under the desk.

12. Will anyone else be using the chair?

If anyone else is using the chair, full adjustability is essential. All users should
take time prior to commencing work to ensure that their chair is adjusted
according to their personal requirements.

13. Operating instructions

They should be simple to understand and available to all those using the chair.

Take a break!

Organise your work around natural breaks, walk around the office/workplace to
improve circulation and stretch the spine. Sitting at your workstation for
several hours without a break especially with poor posture contributes to back
problems, the most common cause of sickness absence.

If you have problems discuss them with your manager, health and safety
representative or your occupational health advisor.

Useful websites:

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Staff Occupational Health Service

www.posturite.co.uk www.ergonomic- www.ergonomics.co.uk

seating.uk.com
www.back2.co.uk www.backcareofficechairs.co.u
k

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