topcorner.gif (2578 bytes)

 

CONTENTS

Section 1:
Introduction

Section 2:
Strategies

Section 3:
The Law

Section 4:
Rights and Responsibilities

Section 5: Code
 of Practice

Section 6:
Who can Assist?

Appendix A:
Examples

Appendix B: Appropriate
Language and Behaviour

Appendix C:
Fact Sheets

Bibliography

References

Tasmanian Organisations

Acknowledge-
ments

 

getacro.gif (712 bytes)

To read PDFs
Get Acrobat Reader.

  

Ergonomic Furniture & Equipment

This Fact Sheet is available in PDF Format. To Access and download this version click here.

 

Brief Description:

The term "ergonomic" refers to furniture and equipment especially designed to support correct posture, thereby helping to alleviate pain and prevent strain.

Who can it assist?

    • students who have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis)
    • students with certain medical conditions (eg. arthritis)
    • students who have overuse injury
    • students who have a physical disability
    • students who experience back pain/chronic pain
      •

Inclusive Teaching Practice

Considerations

  • Occupational health and safety issues.
  • Students may require additional room to accommodate the furniture or equipment concerned.
  • Furniture in classrooms/practicals/workshops will need to be at an accessible height.
  • Unsuitable seating, particularly over prolonged periods, will exacerbate the student’s condition.

You can assist your student by:

  • Being receptive to their need to use such equipment.
  • Permitting the student rest breaks from physical tasks if required.
  • Giving consideration to seating arrangements within the learning setting to accommodate the equipment.

 Inclusive Technology

There is now a substantial range of furniture and equipment available to assist people. Types most commonly used to assist students include:

 

ERGONOMIC CHAIRS & STOOLS

    • ERGONOMICALLY DESIGNED CHAIRS

Provide support for the body in a way which allows for relaxed and non-restricted muscle function. Such chairs differ from non-ergonomic chairs in that they should be fully adjustable to best meet individuals needs. It should be possible to independently adjust the height of the chair, the position of the backrest, and, if provided, seat tilt, while seated on the chair. Kneeling chairs have no backrest and provide a further ergonomic option which promotes correct postural position whilst sitting. These chairs can help alleviate pain during prolonged periods of restricted posture.

    • OTHER BACK SUPPORTS
      •

Whilst the backrest of ergonomic chairs is padded to provide support to the lumbar spine area, some students may require additional support or may not have access to an ergonomic chair at all times. A number of specifically designed Lumbar Roll Back Supports are available. Such supports are reasonably compact, light and easily transported from one place to another.

    • SIT/STAND STOOLS

A range of stools are available which can provide support to a student in a sitting or standing position. A greater adjustable height range and, in many products, the addition of some type of footrest, are the main differences between ergonomic stools and ergonomic chairs. Common types of stools include drafting, technical or laboratory stools for work at laboratory or workshop benches.

FOOT RESTS

These devices support the feet and are used to establish an ergonomically sound working situation. Various height adjustable designs are available.

TILTING WRITING/READING BOARDS

Portable and adjustable, they are used to establish an ergonomically sound working situation. Use of this equipment helps prevent strains and neck ‘craning’ and can minimise problems associated with various physical disabilities such as Occupational Overuse Syndrome, arthritis etc.

WRIST SUPPORTS

Various styles available. Wrist supports are designed to keep the wrist and lower hand in a neutral position.

DOCUMENT HOLDERS

Used in conjunction with a computer, a document holder will help the student avoid undesirable inclination of the head or a sideways bending body movement when shifting their vision between the document and the screen or keyboard. This will help to minimise head and neck strain.

 

Further information and assistance can be obtained from:

Disability Advisers/Disability Liaison Officers (see Fact Sheets section 6 for contact details)

Access & Equity Project of Northern Group Training Ph. 6334 2266

Independent Living Centre Tasmania Ph. 6334 5899

 

Useful information and links can be found at the following website:

Flinders University Occupational Health & Safety Unit:
http://adminwww.flinders.edu.au/OHSW/Ergobook/EB-Index

 

Introduction | Strategies for Inclusive Practice | What The Law Says | Legislative Requirements | Rights and Responsibilities | Code of Practice | Who Can Assist? | Examples of Inclusive Practice | Appropriate Language and Behaviour | Index to Fact Sheet Series | Bibliography | Recommended References | Tasmanian Organisations | Acknowledgements