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Woolhouse-Smith29124  
#1 Posted : 24 January 2025 17:39:13(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Woolhouse-Smith29124

We have an employee who says he does not need a chair that has a 5 wheel base and adjustable back and height as he does not have a problem with his back.  What can I do about it?

Kate  
#2 Posted : 24 January 2025 18:17:12(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Kate

Not having a back problem is of course not the criterion.  The criterion is whether they are a DSE user (defined as someone making intensive use of DSE for prolonged periods, usually interpreted as working solidly at the computer for at least an hour each day).

The reason they need a proper chair is to prevent them developing back, shoulder, neck, wrist and eye problems.

I would want to find out why they object to using a proper chair in order to have some chance of convincing them.

On the other hand if they are not really a DSE user as defined by HSE and depending on the circumstances, I might think it's not worth the effort.

Roundtuit  
#3 Posted : 24 January 2025 19:16:59(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Roundtuit

The HSE checklist only asks if chairs have certain features that are working not that they MUST be present.

It then goes on to state "the chair may need repairing or replacing if the user is uncomfortable".

The user has stated they are comfortable so why are you seeking unecessary conflict?

Not sure you will find "absolute wording" in published regulation to support your position.

Roundtuit  
#4 Posted : 24 January 2025 19:16:59(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Roundtuit

The HSE checklist only asks if chairs have certain features that are working not that they MUST be present.

It then goes on to state "the chair may need repairing or replacing if the user is uncomfortable".

The user has stated they are comfortable so why are you seeking unecessary conflict?

Not sure you will find "absolute wording" in published regulation to support your position.

stevedm  
#5 Posted : 25 January 2025 08:01:40(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
stevedm

...sounds like you have a 'elf and safety' hater...perhaps you approach the task on comfort and longevity rather than force...the difference between relaxing in front of the TV and working in front of it all day perhaps...you are required to carry out a RA  (which you may have to do if they are not willing - by observation) and just help to show that all that it is doing is trying to prevent future injury...try and bring them on the journey...

Kate  
#6 Posted : 25 January 2025 09:20:22(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Kate

Roundtuit  
#7 Posted : 25 January 2025 10:41:14(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Roundtuit

Work chair

The work chair shall be stable and allow the operator or user easy freedom of movement and a comfortable position.

The seat shall be adjustable in height.

The seat back shall be adjustable in both height and tilt.

So no "insistence" on a five castor arrangement and an opening line about user comfort.

These regulations as expressed in so many other threads are long overdue review.

Roundtuit  
#8 Posted : 25 January 2025 10:41:14(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Roundtuit

Work chair

The work chair shall be stable and allow the operator or user easy freedom of movement and a comfortable position.

The seat shall be adjustable in height.

The seat back shall be adjustable in both height and tilt.

So no "insistence" on a five castor arrangement and an opening line about user comfort.

These regulations as expressed in so many other threads are long overdue review.

Kate  
#9 Posted : 25 January 2025 10:48:25(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Kate

A typical meeting room chair is not on wheels and does not allow for freedom of movement.

The standard five castor pattern of DSE chairs gives the freedom of movement together with the required stability that you would not get from some other possible arrangements of wheels. 

That combination of freedom of movement with stability is why it has become standard. 

You might come up with an innovative design that achieved this in a different way, but a typical meeting room chair does not.

peter gotch  
#10 Posted : 25 January 2025 13:53:59(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
peter gotch

Hi Woolhouse-Smith

I'm in the camp that thinks that talking to the person involved is wise.

What is their issue with a chair designed for the purpose rather than one which many people will find uncomfortable if sitting for extended periods?

They may not present with a back problem now, but what will THEY think if and when they DO get back problems?

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