The importance of ergonomic seating in industrial workstations

• Ergonomics: investing in the health of operators
• Regulations on ergonomic seating for industrial workstations
• Our range of ergonomic chairs and stools

In today's industrial landscape, attention to operator well-being and production efficiency are inextricably linked. Ergonomic chairs are at the heart of this evolution, playing a far from marginal role in the organisation of workstations. Their importance transcends simple comfort, intersecting with crucial aspects of health, productivity and process optimisation according to the principles of Lean Production.

Ergonomics: investing in the health of operators

Ergonomics studies the interaction between humans and the elements of the working system, with the aim of optimising human well-being and overall performance. In the industrial sector, where operators spend entire days in often static or repetitive positions, an adequate chair becomes a fundamental preventive tool.

Ergonomic chairs are designed to support the natural curvature of the spine, maintaining lumbar lordosis and distributing body weight evenly. This approach significantly reduces the risk of musculoskeletal disorders, including lower back pain, neck pain and postural problems, which are one of the main causes of absenteeism and incapacity for work. An operator who works in a correct sitting position maintains concentration for longer, makes fewer mistakes and develops fewer health problems in the long term.

Adjustability is a key feature:

• seat height
• seat depth
• backrest angle
• lumbar support

must be able to adapt to individual anthropometric characteristics. On assembly lines or at quality control stations, where precision and attention are crucial, correct posture directly translates into the quality of the work performed.

Regulations on ergonomic seating for industrial workstations

Regulations on ergonomic seating for industrial workstations are mainly governed by the Legislative Decree 81/08 and by the technical standard UNI EN 1335, which specify safety, stability and regulation requirements.

Seats must be equipped with a height and tilt adjustment system, must guarantee comfort and provide proper support for the lumbar-sacral area. It is important that they are stable, resistant and allow for easy movement, preferably with castors and a swivel base. 

Essential requirements

1. Stability and safety: the chair must be stable, non-slip and present no risk of falling. The materials must be durable and suitable for prolonged use (at least 8 hours per day), as specified in standard UNI EN 1335-2:2018.
2. Adjustability
   • seat height: it must be adjustable so that your feet are flat on the floor and your knees are bent at approximately 90-100 degrees.
   • backrest: must be adjustable in height and angle to adequately support the lumbar region
   • armrests (if present): they must be height-adjustable to allow the arms to relax with the shoulders extended
3. Dimensions: the seat, backrest and base must be of appropriate dimensions, as defined by standard UNI EN 1335-1:2020, which classifies chairs into four types: AX, A, B and C.

4. Comfort: materials must be comfortable, breathable and easy to clean

5. Mobility: it is preferable for the chair to be equipped with castors to facilitate movement, except in specific contexts that require fixed positions.

6. Footrest: if necessary, a footrest can be added, especially if the workstation does not allow the feet to rest properly on the floor.

Our range of ergonomic chairs and stools

With our high-quality chairs, we strive to provide suitable work tools that help create working environments that respect people. Operators who do not have to battle pain or physical discomfort are more motivated and actively participate in continuous improvement (Kaizen) and becomes a leader in operational excellence.

From the point of view of waste, inadequate meetings generate Muda hidden but significant. Operators forced into uncomfortable postures develop early fatigue, reducing execution speed and increasing cycle times. Compensatory micro-movements to alleviate discomfort are movements that do not add value. Absenteeism due to posture-related health problems causes interruptions in production, the need for replacements and the loss of specific know-how.

Ergonomics and Lean Production converge in affirming that respect for the operator and production efficiency are not opposing dimensions, but two sides of the same coin. Investing in ergonomic solutions means building a sustainable working environment, where the quality of professional life and corporate competitiveness grow together, generating lasting value for all operators involved.