The ergonomic standard set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) specifically discourages the acquisition of cheap office chairs. The government developed the ergonomic standard to avoid health related problems that became rampant in the workplace this past decade. Musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) such as recurring and incurable back pain have cost the United States losses to the tune of $31.3 Billion because of absences and decrease in productivity.

This looses have made a big impact on the economy and thus to avoid all these, the government has set standards especially against cheap office chairs that may cause back pain during long-term use.

Back pain can become chronic and may cause major lifestyle changes to the sufferer. Additionally, bad posture commonly affected employees especially those with dedicated functions who are required to sit long hours. If they are using cheap office chair, it may hamper their productivity and lost workdays may be huge.

However, if you find the basic requirements of ergonomics in a cheap office chair, then there is no reason why employers should not take advantage of it. The following are the basic requirements:

- It should support the spine and maintain the natural “S” curve of the spine. It is better if the cheap office chair has a lumbar support.
- A waterfall front edge, so that the circulation of the blood will not be restricted.
- The cheap office chair should allow freedom of movement.
- Soft cushion that feels comfortable.
- The cheap office chair should support movability, easily rolling casters is necessary.

If these basic requirements are available in a cheap office chair, then small offices can take advantage of it. The rest should be in the proper sitting and conscious effort of the user to avoid slouching that may cause back pain in the long run.

It may help to develop a training program for employees to ensure they maintain sitting properly. The following are recommendations to ensure minimal incidence of bad posture and back pain when using cheap office chairs.

- The hands, wrists and forearms should form a straight line and roughly parallel to the floor;
- Shoulders should be relaxed and upper arms hang normally at the side of the body.
- Elbows stay close to the body and bent 90 to 120 degrees.
- Feet should be flat on the floor.
- Back should be fully supported with lumbar support, improvise if the cheap office chair do not provide lumbar support.
- Thighs and hips should be supported by well-padded seat and are parallel to the floor.
- Knees should be about the same height as the hips with the feel slightly forward.

Additionally, the user should make conscious effort to move or shift position occasionally. Stretching of the fingers, hands and torso can be an added assurance that blood circulates properly. Moreover, standing from the cheap office chair once every hour will help avoid Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI), which may cause back pain and bad posture.

Proper usage of your cheap office chair may not end expensive on the employer if the employees will learn how to take care of themselves. On top of all these, proper care of office furniture including your cheap office chair may help create a safe and efficient working condition.

Copyright 2005 Nora P. Dyson, office-chair-reviews.com