Seating at work: ergonomic selection and adjustment

Health and Safety Executive Figure 5 A potentially unsafe bend and twist position Should people sit or stand? 40 People find it more comfortable to sit rather than stand whilst working, unless the type of work requires constant stretching or twisting to reach or lift objects (see figure 6). Employers therefore need to ensure that work is organised to allow people to be seated wherever possible. In circumstances where sitting is not possible, for instance where work has to be done over a large area or where constant handling of heavy objects cannot be avoided, standing may be preferable. In this case, employers need to ensure that workers take adequate rest breaks and that suitable comfortable seating is provided during those breaks. Seating at work Page 13 of 22