Ergonomics

Purchasing furniture

Funding & Purchasing

Office chairs, desks, computer equipment, and other office furniture purchases are subject to the discretion of each department. Funding for sit-stand workstations is managed at the departmental level, and the decision to provide such workstations rests solely with each department. The EHS department does NOT provide recommendations regarding the necessity of sit-stand workstations.

For requests related to medical accommodations, including those for sit-stand workstations, please direct inquiries to the Organizational Health Office.

Ergonomics Demo Room

By appointment, SFU employees visit the EHS department to try out various chair models and sit-stand workstations prior to purchase. EHS is located in Discovery 1, room 1300, Discovery Park. Contact ergo_safe@sfu.ca to set up an appointment.

Consultation

It is recommended that departments consult with EHS when selecting new office chairs or desks for employees to help ensure optimal fit and comfort. Departments purchasing new chairs should consider the following guidelines for chair adjustability: 

Guidelines for chair adjustability 

• Height
• Lumbar support
• Back rest angle
• Armrests (if applicable);
  
• Be fitted with a knee tilt (free float) or multi tilt (rocking) mechanism;
• Have a stable (five pronged) base with casters appropriate for type of flooring (carpet castors for carpet or floor castors for hard floors);
• Appropriately support the employee’s weight;
• Allow space (2”-3”) between the front of the seat pan and the back of the legs;
• Have height and width adjustable arm rests (if ordered with armrests); and
• Fall within technical standards set by SFU Procurement Services.

Resource: Office Ergonomics Furniture & Equipment Purchasing Guide

This guide contains technical guidelines for office chairs and sit-stand workstations and examples of products that have been identified as ergonomically sound for office and computer workstation users. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of products and vendors where the product is available for purchase.