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| BUYING A GOOD OFFICE CHAIR A guide from a Professional Ergonomist "You spend more time in your chair at work than your couch at home. Why pay less for your chair?" |
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| Back injuries are the single largest source of lost workdays in the American workpalce. Studies indicate that most American workers are sitting for more than 8 hours per day at work. Sitting is known to be stressful on the back, and the back must be well supported. Furthermore, varicose veins and other ciruclatory issues can become evident if the lower body is not well supported and cushioned while sitting. It is clear from several studies that a chair at work is the single most important tool for ensuring comfort and productivity, but it also critical to reducing back pain and lower circulatory problems. However, studies are important, but ask yourself some easy questions. | 
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| If you can answer "yes" to any of these questions, then you really need a good office chair. You will find it will reduce your back pain and lower leg pain. It may also reduce shoulder and elbow discomforts as well. | 
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FINANCIAL COST OF BACK INJURIES Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), like back injuries, currently account for one-third of all occupational injuries and illnesses reported to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) by employers every year. These disorders thus constitute the largest job-related injury and illness problem in the United States today. In 1997, employers reported a total of 626,000 lost workday MSDs to the BLS, and these disorders accounted for $1 of every $3 spent for workers' compensation in that year. Employers pay more than $15-$20 billion in workers' compensation costs for these disorders every year, and other expenses associated with MSDs may increase this total to $45-$54 billion a year. Workers with severe MSDs can face permanent disability that prevents them from returning to their jobs or handling simple, everyday tasks like combing their hair, picking up a baby, or pushing a shopping cart. | |||
| Value of Cost Saving per MSD Averted | Value |
| Value of Lost Production | $14,763 |
| Medical Costs | $3,080 |
| Insurance Administrative Costs | $1,872 |
| Indirect Costs to Employers | $2,832 |
| Total | $22,546 |
| RETURN-ON-INVESTMENT WITH A NEW CHAIR
Let us assume the following:
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| Return on Investment Calculator | |||
| Average Salary (gross without benefits) |
Minutes saved/hour | Investment/ Employee | No. of Employees |
| $30,000 | 1 | $400 | 25 |
| $/year saved/ employee | % Efficiency Increase | Per Employee | Per All Employees |
| $650 | 1.7% | $650 | $16,250 |
| 1-Year ROI | 3-Year ROI | Payback Period (Months) | |
| 163% | 488% | 7 | |
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"Buying a Good Office Chair" section content created by: Dr. Henry Romero, CPE, CSP Productivity, Health, & Safety Concepts PO Box 891073 Houston, TX 77289 713-385-8836 A more comprehensive Comfort Guide and other office and non-office ergonomics, safety, and productivity resources can be found at: http://www.ergodoc.com | |
| Productivity, Health & Safety Concepts | ||