TECNOTELAI
05/12/2022
In an industrial setting, sit-stand stools are indispensable. It is not uncommon for employees to experience physical pain, especially in the back. These pains can be caused by maintaining the same posture for a long time. Called musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), these diseases are dangerous to your health, especially in the long term. That's why it's important to adapt your working environment to make it ergonomic.
Here are five benefits of using a sit-stand chair:
1. It prevents pain
Factory work can cause discomfort and musculoskeletal disorders. Think, for example, of assembly line workers for whom working standing up for long hours is often a source of pain. In fact, standing for long periods of time often leads to discomfort in the lower limbs, especially the ankles, feet and knees.
The major discomforts are linked to the considerable stress exerted on the joints combined with poor circulation in the lower limbs. The use of a sit-stand stool reduces the pressure on the joints and facilitates the correct return of blood to the heart, thus preventing permanent damage to the body's tissues.
2. It reduces fatigue
The upright posture is mainly maintained by the muscles of the legs and trunk. These muscles require oxygen and nutrients supplied through the bloodstream. In the absence of adequate blood supply, the body acts similar to a car that runs out of gas; movement becomes impossible. Prolonged standing leads to a permanent contraction of the legs and lumbar muscles which sometimes reaches the neck region. All these muscles have to work without receiving adequate nutrients. Muscles also require adequate rest to recover from more intense periods of work.
Once discomfort and pain occur, caregivers become tired, less alert and less efficient. The use of sit-stand chairs allows your muscles a rest, delaying both fatigue and discomfort.
3. It improves spinal alignment
When standing for long periods in a static position, the spine is often not optimally aligned. Indeed, workers who must remain standing at their workstation have a tendency to lock their knees in full extension. Maintaining this posture causes an abnormal curve in the lumbar region resulting in discomfort and poor posture.
Using a sit-stand chair that has a forward-leaning seat allows the user to maintain an optimal lumbar curve, reducing the risk of back pain and injury.
4. It facilitates better posture
Using this type of chair allows for quick and easy movement between different postures. The semi-seated position favors the alternation between sitting and standing by reducing the effort required to stand compared to when sitting. Also, while the sit-stand chair promotes better spinal alignment, it's not specifically designed for optimal comfort. The small seat and the absence of a back on some chairs encourage the user to change posture frequently.
5. It improves mobility and accessibility
Some factory tasks such as assembly require the work to be done on a counter or elevated surface. High stools are commonly used and thought to be your best bet. However, the sit-stand chair is an alternative that should be considered in this type of situation; objects are easier to reach and movement is greatly facilitated.
It is therefore important to choose the right seat. The quality of the work chairs should not be overlooked in production either. This plays an important role in employee well-being.
The choice of session must therefore:
1) take into consideration your physical characteristics: weight and height.
2) evaluate the type of work performed: repetitive movements and prolonged motionless positions.
3) determine your working environment: wet or dry atmosphere, type of floor, height of the work surface, compatibility with your workstation, etc.
4) analyze the type of seat you need: office chair, workshop stool or standing seat.
