Environmental Health & Safety
Occupational Safety Unit
Chair Safety
Office chairs are essential for providing comfort and support during our workday. At the same time, they can pose various risks to employees' safety if not used and maintained properly. Office chairs and stools with wheels can contribute to falls, especially on smooth or uneven surfaces or when used improperly. Many chair injuries occur when users are attempting to sit down while the chair moves out from under the person.
Preventive Measures
- Exercise caution when rising, sitting, or reaching from a rolling chair or stool.
- Grasp the rolling chair or stool whenever you attempt to sit or rise to ensure that it does not unexpectedly move.
- If the chair has armrests, hold them when sitting or standing. If armrests are not present, hold on to the seat pan to prevent the chair/stool from rolling away.
- Stand when reaching for something, do not remain seated on the rolling chair or stool.
- Select chairs with proper wheels to ensure the chair moves safely and in a controlled manner on the various types of flooring. Some locations have hard floor coverings, such as tile, vinyl/laminate, or hardwood; whereas other locations, like office spaces, are often carpeted. Hard floor coverings and carpets require very different wheels’ styles.
- Soft rubber or polyurethane wheels are best for hardwood, tile, marble, cement, travertine, linoleum, and vinyl. The soft wheels provide the best floor protection and are less likely to glide away from someone attempting to sit down.
- Hard wheels made of nylon or metal are best for carpeted areas. While these wheels tend to glide on hard surfaces, they roll well on carpet.
- Ensure that the work area is free from unnecessary obstacles, cords and clutter.
- Do not sit at the edge of the seat or lean the chair/ stool. Sit up straight and ensure hips and back are far back on the seat.
- Routinely inspect chairs for defects or damage (broken wheels, loose bolts, etc.). If a chair is found to be damaged, tag it “Damaged – Do Not Use” and immediately remove it from service and notify your supervisor.
The following link provides information on ergonomic services through the Environmental, Health and Safety Department to assist you with the best use of chairs. https://www.safety.rochester.edu/safetyinfo/helpwithergoconcerns.html
QUESTIONS or COMMENTS?
Contact EH&S at (585) 275-3241 or e-mail EH&S Questions.
This page last updated 12/10/2024. Disclaimer.
