The benefits of footrests include improved circulation in the legs. When the feet are not supported sufficiently, additional pressure is placed on the back of the knee where there is a lot of vasculature. So it is important to have a height adjustable foot support to even out the seated pressure on the underside of the legs and glutes. Footrests also reduce the strain on the lower back muscles by nestling the pelvis into an ideal position. This reduces the changes of lower back issues which lead to indirect costs (associated with absenteeism), as well as costs associated with benefits and lost production. Footrests also improve the seated posture. It does this by allowing the muscles of the lower back to relax by helping cradle the pelvic structures in an ideal position. This keeps the lower spinal column well stacked. That translates to even pressure on the intervertebral discs and reduced changes of spinal stenosis and intervertebral disc bulges.
Other less related improvements are more frequent posture changes are noticed with employees using footrests as well as reported improvements in comfort. Although, footrests are not the forefront of ergonomic solutions they are a key tool in allowing desktops that are fixed and too high to be accommodated by a chair that does elevate to a sufficient height to allow the elbow to match the desktop. The best footrests are height adjustable, tilting, and lockable. Ensure that you get a robust one that won't break too easily or become squeaky when used. So, in conclusion, footrests continue to be overlooked! Even among those that use a standing desk, a footrest can provide solid utility in the world of ergonomic equipment.
If you want to learn more about ergonomic equipment and what is best suited for your work environment and staff, contact an ergonomic specialist with Ergobility today.
Oakland, CA – Workspace Ergonomic Assessments by Local Ergonomic Trainer
SYNOPSIS: A seemingly useless tool, the footrest, can have a profound effect on your workers. In some cases this tool is an essential tool for the "workstation fit" and in other cases it can improve postures.
Find out about the unseen benefits of a footrest.
BY: Allen Yagjian, Ergobility LLC
One of the most common reasons that employees miss work is back injuries. The only reason that is more common is the common cold. So we should take care of our spine. It's the only one we've got and it is prone to aging. However, treating it well, can ensure that as we age, it stays healthy and void of signs of degenerative disc disorder. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) make a mention that workers who sustain ergonomic injuries require an average of 12 days off work to recuperate. If you own or are part of a business that has a group of employees, it's important to ensure the safety and efficiency of your staff. Sometimes, the seemingly small things can have a big impact and here we will discuss the use of footrest in the workspace.
The benefits of footrests include improved circulation in the legs. When the feet are not supported sufficiently, additional pressure is placed on the back of the knee where there is a lot of vasculature. So it is important to have a height adjustable foot support to even out the seated pressure on the underside of the legs and glutes. Footrests also reduce the strain on the lower back muscles by nestling the pelvis into an ideal position. This reduces the changes of lower back issues which lead to indirect costs (associated with absenteeism), as well as costs associated with benefits and lost production. Footrests also improve the seated posture. It does this by allowing the muscles of the lower back to relax by helping cradle the pelvic structures in an ideal position. This keeps the lower spinal column well stacked. That translates to even pressure on the intervertebral discs and reduced changes of spinal stenosis and intervertebral disc bulges.
Other less related improvements are more frequent posture changes are noticed with employees using footrests as well as reported improvements in comfort. Although, footrests are not the forefront of ergonomic solutions they are a key tool in allowing desktops that are fixed and too high to be accommodated by a chair that does elevate to a sufficient height to allow the elbow to match the desktop. The best footrests are height adjustable, tilting, and lockable. Ensure that you get a robust one that won't break too easily or become squeaky when used. So, in conclusion, footrests continue to be overlooked! Even among those that use a standing desk, a footrest can provide solid utility in the world of ergonomic equipment.
If you want to learn more about ergonomic equipment and what is best suited for your work environment and staff, contact an ergonomic specialist with Ergobility today.
The benefits of footrests include improved circulation in the legs. When the feet are not supported sufficiently, additional pressure is placed on the back of the knee where there is a lot of vasculature. So it is important to have a height adjustable foot support to even out the seated pressure on the underside of the legs and glutes. Footrests also reduce the strain on the lower back muscles by nestling the pelvis into an ideal position. This reduces the changes of lower back issues which lead to indirect costs (associated with absenteeism), as well as costs associated with benefits and lost production. Footrests also improve the seated posture. It does this by allowing the muscles of the lower back to relax by helping cradle the pelvic structures in an ideal position. This keeps the lower spinal column well stacked. That translates to even pressure on the intervertebral discs and reduced changes of spinal stenosis and intervertebral disc bulges.
Other less related improvements are more frequent posture changes are noticed with employees using footrests as well as reported improvements in comfort. Although, footrests are not the forefront of ergonomic solutions they are a key tool in allowing desktops that are fixed and too high to be accommodated by a chair that does elevate to a sufficient height to allow the elbow to match the desktop. The best footrests are height adjustable, tilting, and lockable. Ensure that you get a robust one that won't break too easily or become squeaky when used. So, in conclusion, footrests continue to be overlooked! Even among those that use a standing desk, a footrest can provide solid utility in the world of ergonomic equipment.
If you want to learn more about ergonomic equipment and what is best suited for your work environment and staff, contact an ergonomic specialist with Ergobility today.
