An ergonomic chair provides the user with a comfortable, healthy, and productive work environment. It can be defined as any chair that allows a person to sit in a position that reduces strain on the back, neck, and shoulders.
To understand ergonomic vs non ergonomic chairs, you need to know the differences in their build, materials, and usability. It’ll guide you to select the best seat for your office, gaming, or living room.
What is the Definition of Ergonomics?
“Ergonomics is the science of designing products and workplaces to be comfortable and safe for people to use.” The word ergonomic comes from the Greek words ergon (work) and nomos (law).
Ergonomics is the science of making workplaces safe, healthy, and comfortable. Workers who ergonomically perform certain tasks are protected against repetitive strain injuries (RSIs).
What does Non-Ergonomic mean?
The term ‘non-ergonomic’ means ‘not fit for purpose.’ In other words, a non-ergonomic workplace makes it difficult for people to carry out their jobs without risking injury.
Non-ergonomic work practices can result in musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) such as the neck, shoulder, back, hand, arm, and knee pain. As a result, the human body cannot perform some or all of the activities.
Some common non-ergonomic tasks include:
- computer mouse usage
- repetitive tasks like handling machinery
- and typing
Ergonomic vs Non Ergonomic Chairs – Difference
There are two main types of chairs, ergonomic and non-ergonomic.
The ergonomic chair helps people to sit in a more natural position, which can reduce back pain like sciatica. The non-ergonomic chair is not designed to help people sit in a more natural position.
The ergonomic chair is also designed to be more comfortable and can help people maintain good posture. The non-ergonomic chair is more likely to cause back problems and other health issues.
How to Sit Properly?
To keep your body in a good sitting position, you need to keep the joints slightly open. The upper body should be kept within a 30° angle from a vertical position. The lumbar support of the backrest should be in your lumbar region, the head should be aligned with the spine. And the shoulders should be kept in a neutral position, the arms should be supported by the forearms, and the wrists should be straight.
This is a common posture for people who work at a computer. It’s a good posture to maintain when typing. You should stand or walk around frequently. Sitting for too long can be detrimental to your health.
What Factors Make a Chair Ergonomic?
Following are the five aspects that make an office or living room chair suitable for human use:
Safety
The safety of the user depends on various factors like seat height to maintain an upright posture. The back should be sufficiently padded to support the spine and keep it in the correct position.
The seat should have armrests, which help to support the arms while sitting. The legs should be of the right length so that they do not interfere with the feet when sitting.
Design and Adjustability
The shape, size, and weight of the chair should be appropriate for the individual who will be using it. The chair should be made of strong materials like mesh or leather to withstand heavy use.
The seat should be designed so that it is easy to adjust to the exact position required for comfortable seating. The seat should also be designed so that it can be moved from one position to another, if necessary. Adjustable headrests, armrests, seat depth, tilt, and casters play a crucial part in the user’s comfort.
It should also have lumbar support and leg rests to provide proper comfort. The chair should be easily movable from one place to another, without having to move other items.
Comfort
The seat and cushion should be soft enough to allow for comfort, but firm enough to keep the person sitting on it in place. It should be made of a material that is suitable for prolonged sitting. It should be designed to prevent any unpleasant smell from emanating from it.
The seat should be designed to maintain good health. This means that it should not cause any pressure on the back of the legs. It should be designed to allow for freedom of movement and the circulation of air.
Performance
An ergonomically designed chair makes office workers more productive than a generic chair.
Aesthetics
The outlook, color, and appeal of furniture are very important. Aesthetics make the office or home pleasing to the senses.
Why is Ergonomics Important?
It’s an essential part of creating a safe and healthy work environment for employees. Ergonomics is the study of how the design of a workplace affects its users.
Ergonomics is an important component of your organization’s safety plan.
Health – Ergonomic vs Non Ergonomic Chairs
One of the easiest ways to improve worker productivity is by investing in ergonomic furniture. Workers who sit at their desks for hours every day tend to suffer from back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and chronic fatigue.
The good news is that there are many ergonomic solutions available to help alleviate these problems.
Productivity
Ergonomics can also help increase employee productivity. For instance, the right chair can improve focus and concentration levels. Investing in ergonomic furniture is an easy way to keep your employees motivated and focused.
Environment Ergonomics also has a positive impact on the environment. By providing better ergonomic solutions, you reduce the amount of waste your organization creates. In addition, you can use ergonomic solutions to reduce your organization’s energy consumption.
Safety Ergonomics also helps create a safer work environment for your employees. If you provide onsite training, you can help reduce injuries.
What is Office Ergonomics?
Ergonomics is the science of designing and engineering workplaces to make sure that workers can do their jobs effectively and safely. Ergonomics involves understanding the relationship between a person’s physical capabilities and the design of the workplace.
The goal is to create a work environment that is comfortable, safe, and efficient. This includes the physical layout of the space, the type of equipment used, and the way that tools are used.
The most common types of ergonomic problems are musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), which are injuries to the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints.
Why Non-Ergonomic Office Chairs are Unhealthy?
Reason 1: They fail to support a neutral posture
Common chairs are not made according to the natural curve of the human spine. They cannot provide you with a neutral sitting posture.
When you sit in these chairs, you tend to slouch forward. This can cause discomfort and pain in your back and neck, especially if you sit for long periods.
When you’re seated, the weight of your torso is supported by your pelvis and thighs. The lumbar region of the lower back provides support.
Non-ergonomic chairs do not offer the appropriate lumbar support.
Reason 2: Improper posture weakens muscles
In the short term, this can cause minor aches and pains that are very uncomfortable and can keep you from doing things.
Bad sitting habits can lead to back pain. The average office worker spends about 10 hours a day sitting in an office chair. This means that there is a high chance that your poor posture may cause back pain.
How Does Sitting Affect Your Life?
Sitting is one of the most common habits in the world. It’s a habit that affects your life, and you should try to break it. Sitting is a bad habit. Not only because it affects your health, but also because it limits your productivity.
Ergonomic vs Non-Ergonomic Sitting Styles
In a study, people who sat in an ergonomic style for more than four hours a day had higher blood pressure than those who sat in a non-ergonomic style for more than four hours a day. Data from schools and universities proves that non ergonomic chairs hamper the learning process.
Following are some of the common problems associated with sitting styles:
- Spondylolisthesis
- Swollen feet
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Neck pain
FAQs
1. Are ergonomic chairs bad for posture?
No, on the contrary, it helps us to achieve an optimum position for our vertebrae and prevents backache.
2. Why is ergonomics important?
It keeps one healthy and active. Prevent injuries and relaxes the mind.
3. Are ergonomic chairs comfortable?
Yes, they’re known for the comfort and ease of sitting for hours.
4. Is a headrest ergonomic?
A headrest is an important feature of a high-back chair, but the suitability of a headrest depends on the user.
5. Do I need an ergonomic chair?
It’s advisable to get an ergonomically designed chair if you’ve to sit for long.
6. What are the five aspects of ergonomics?
These are comfort, safety, productivity, ease of use, and style of the office or home or any environment with which you interact.
7. What is another word for ergonomic?
Adjustability, Usability, Suitable, and Optimum are a few synonymous words.
Conclusion
When comparing ergonomic vs non-ergonomic chairs, one should never forget the budget. The best thing that you can do to improve your posture and reduce back pain is to invest in an ergonomic chair. There are many benefits of having an ergonomic chair, including reduced lower back pain, less stress on your back, and a better posture.
