Seating Basics- Ergonomics

 

When it comes to proper seating, nothing is more important than proper ergonomics. This is a word that we hear thrown around all the time, but we rarely stop to think about what it means. Well, we should, because it is important.

According to Wikipedia, ergonomics is "the application of scientific information concerning humans to the design of objects, systems and environment for human usemics". What this basically amounts to, at least for our concerns, is designing products so that people can interact with them in a comfortable and safe manner. What interests us is this second part- applied ergonomics- because it is what allows the study of the workings of the human body to be reflected in product design. For further explanation be sure to review Wikiepedia's Ergonomics entry.

Another, more practical, way to look at this is that that body is at rest in a certain position (the resting position). When we are forced to spend extended amounts of time with out body out of this position or in some sort of contorted state, there can be problems. These problems, like repetitive stress injuries and lower back pain, are what we are trying to avoid with proper seating. By following the guidelines set by the study of ergonomics we should be able to put the body in a position in which we can sit and work without stressing the body or causing injury.

The reason why ergonomics is so important to seating is that today's workforces, especially in developed nations spend a considerable amount of their working time (and in turn their life) seated at a desk, in front of a computer. By making the proper changes to their workstation there can be considerable benefits to health, comfort, and overall well-being. These changes can be costly in terms of investment, but have proven to be simple to undertake given a basic level of undstanding, and will more than pay for themselves over time.