Low task chairs or stools allow work to be completed from a safer posture when it can’t be presented at waist height. For example, if a task is low to the ground, a specially designed chair or stool can enable a person to sit and work comfortably rather than crouching, sitting on the floor or bending over.
Depending on how low the task is and the type of work done, some standard office chairs or drafting stools lower sufficiently for these situations. A range of specialised industrial polyurethane stools and chairs are also available.
A range of low rise stools including flat seated, with or without backrest, saddle style or stools with attached tool trolleys can be adjusted for low task support and can come with or without castors or glides. If a specific design of chair or stool is preferred it may be possible to request higher adjustability in the pneumatic system to allow low task work.
If a suitable product is unable to be sourced, consideration can be given to the design of a custom made pedestal or stool.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
For people working on tasks below waist height such as mechanics or computer technicians, chairs and stools that adjust to a low height may be used to enable chair support without the need to kneel, crouch, sit on the floor or lean forward from a standard height chair.
For information about height adjustable work platforms, see the link below:
If a particular low task stool or chair specific to a person’s disability is required within the workplace and is not something normally supplied by the employer under their Occupational Safety and Health requirements, consideration can be given to applying for funding assistance through the Employment Assistance Fund. Please refer to the following to determine eligibility:
References
Ergo-Industrial Seating Systems Inc. (no date specified), Dual Seat Height Adjustment System, Ergo-Industrial Seating Systems Inc., Ontario, viewed 11 May 2011, https://www109.safesecureweb.com/ergoindustrial/usa/dual_height.htm
Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. 2011, Lowrise stool, Independent Living Centres Australia Inc., Sydney, viewed 11 May 2011, http://www.ilcaustralia.org/search4.asp?State=NSW&MC=41&MinC=24&Item=8522&page=7
Industrial Seating Inc. (no date specified), Industrial Seating Pedestals, Industrial Seating Inc., Oregon, viewed 11 May 2011, http://www.indseat.com/pedestals.html
Just Tools 2011, Kincrome Mechanics Creeper Seat. #08011, Just Tools, South Melbourne, viewed 11 May 2011, http://www.justtools.com.au/prod4374.htm