Bowling Green-Based BioFit Sheds New Light on Ergonomic Seating

Biofit Engineered Products unveils a new educational resource for applied ergonomic study. By visiting www.biofit.com/ergonomics.html, users will find online access to the science, practical applications and the history of ergonomics, as well as links and resources to help them benefit personally from utilizing ergonomically correct products.

Bowling Green, OH (PRWEB) June 6, 2007 -- BioFit Engineered Products, a worldwide supplier of ergonomic seating solutions, has expanded its online presence with educational resources for promoting healthier seating in the workplace. By logging on to www.biofit.com/ergonomics.html, users can learn about the basic elements of ergonomics, explore methods to personalize their own seating and even access links to other informational websites. It's a portal to discovering everything that applies to the subject.

In the early stages of ergonomic research, anthropometry studies conducted to measure the size and proportions of the human body were based primarily on the physical composition of young males serving in the military. As a result, standards and practices were adopted that no longer represent the diversity of body shapes in today's workforce. It's a point that Ed Metzger, president of BioFit Engineered Products, a global manufacturer of ergonomic seating and table solutions, refers to as he describes what you should look for in choosing an ergonomic chair.

You'll also want to give careful consideration to workspace layout as well: think about the way you set a table - everything should be placed with easy reach and range of motion. That's the way a workstation should be configured. It's the best way avoid undue muscle strain from overextending.

"Seating must allow for different seat and back sizes, and a range of seat heights, as well as unique forward seat tilt, seat height and backward lean adjustments, while providing the right lumbar support for the task at hand," Metzger said. "As a leader in the industry, BioFit understands the subtleties of ergonomic seating and how they relate to different work environments, and people of varying stature.

"For example, just as you wouldn't use a crescent wrench as a hammer, you shouldn't use a regular office chair in a manufacturing application. That's because office chairs are made to move as the user moves, allowing freedom of motion, while a chair used in precise hand assembly must remain anchored in place for support and extra leverage."

This conclusion might make some question whether it might be better to do away with seating altogether and just have employees stand as they work. The trouble with this approach is that it doesn't take into account the problems that occur from prolonged periods from standing, i.e., fluid pooling in the feet, swelling of the legs and the development of varicose veins; nor does it recognize the advantages of sitting when it's done properly.

Metzger reports that sitting can improve worker productivity by maximizing effective motions, reducing worker fatigue and increasing worker stability. "You'll also want to give careful consideration to workspace layout as well: think about the way you set a table - everything should be placed with easy reach and range of motion. That's the way a workstation should be configured. It's the best way avoid undue muscle strain from overextending."

Not doing so can cause employees to hunch forward, creating a curve in the lower back known as kyphosis - the bending of the spine opposite of its natural position. This puts maximum pressure on the spinal discs and associated muscle groups, heightening the likelihood of injury.

In an article published on spineuniverse.com, Professor Alan Hedge, Ph.D., Director of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Laboratory at Cornell University, described the guidelines for ergonomic seating. "What we want is to be able to sit and maintain the lumbar spine in a position called, 'lordosis.' If we sit on a good ergonomic chair, the seat pan is curved from back to front to encourage the pelvis to rotate forward, and this helps the lumbar spine to maintain lordosis."

Another important consideration is calculating the proper seat height. Typically, this can be done by measuring where the work is to be performed, then positioning the seat 12" below that level.

Even with all these precautions, Metzger cautions there is no single correct position for continual sitting. "The best thing you can do in alleviating problems is to change your posture on a regular basis when sitting. That includes adjusting the chair itself frequently - an important consideration when accommodating the distinct body shapes of different users."

Chairs of this kind may cost marginally more upfront, but Metzger sees the investment in terms of what he calls "value ergonomics."

"BioFit chairs are backed by an industry-best 13-year warranty. That means you get the value that comes from better posture and greater durability in one product," Metzger explained. "It's what the basic elements of ergonomic seating are all about."

To learn more, log on to www.BioFit.com or call 1-800-597-0246.

Located in Bowling Green, Ohio, BioFit Engineered Products is an industry-leading manufacturer of ergonomic seating, cafeteria and mobile tables, and carts for office, industrial, educational, healthcare, bio- and high-tech, hospitality, and custom environments.

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