Petition to Replace Non-Ergonomic Chairs

This petition has been created to oppose the newest chairs that have been provided to Design students in rooms such as N207, N208, and N210. While we appreciate that money has been spent on resources for us such as these new chairs, we are disappointed that these chairs are not ergonomic, and are meant to be used casually in a conference or meeting room — not for sitting and working in for long periods of time. Since we sit in these chairs for 3+ hours at a time, we need our classroom chairs need to meet ergonomic standards, which they do not for most people. Many people have complained about back pain which is exacerbated by use of these chairs.

Taken directly from the Algonquin website: 

"Chairs

A seat should provide stability and move easily. The lumbar support should be adjustable and the front edge of the seat pan should be rounded. Arm rests can be used, but are not necessary and sometimes become a disadvantage if they get in the way of your work or prevent proper positioning and inhibit movement in your workspace. The chair should be adjusted so that:

• Your elbows are at about a 90 degree angle
• Your hips are at about a 90 degree angle
• Your knees are at about a 90 degree angle
• Your legs have adequate clearance
• Your feet remain flat on the floor"

https://www.algonquincollege.com/safety-security-services/home/occupational-health-and-safety/workstation-ergonomics/

Unfortunately, since these new chairs are not height adjustable, most people are not able to make the above adjustments to have their elbows, hips, and knees at a 90 degree angle. 

Please also see this article https://www.btod.com/blog/2017/03/23/5-reasons-ergonomic-chairs-will-improve-your-back-pain/ which discusses the correlation of ergonomic chairs and focus, productivity, comfort, and which reduce your risk for musculoskeletal injuries.

Please see photos of the chairs in question, and the adjustable chairs with which we request they be replaced with. 

Christine Volden    Contact the author of the petition