Adjustable office work stations primarily consist of a height adjustable desk, counter or control room station. These workstations are generally adjustable in height either electronically, by gas lift, or by manual means including wind up feet or winding style levers. Some adjustable workstations also enable desk angle to be altered or built in desk length adjustability to cater for work task variation.
Adjustable workstations allow for adjustment to a height not normally possible with a standard desk to cater for specialised seating arrangements, unique physical needs, allow changes in desk height for rotation of work posture between sitting and standing and allow for multiple users at a workstation. Adjustable desks can be purchased in a range of widths, lengths and shapes and can have varying levels of height adjustability. Custom built designs can assist for specialised situations.
The following should be considered regarding requirements of the person prior to purchase:
- overall stability of the desk
- storage requirements as inbuilt draws under the workstation can limit accessibility
- type of workstation or desk legs if need to access via wheelchair as workstations can come with standard ‘U’ shaped, trestle table style, single pedestal style or table style legs with no modesty panel
- person’s capacity to easily and safely adjust workstation adjustment controls
- whether castors or glides are required if workstation needs to be portable
- whether additional features are required to hold cables, monitors, CPU or printers
- whether an inbuilt or portable footrest will be required.
Adjustable height workstations can be purchased as whole units in a range of shapes such as standard, ‘U’, ‘L’ or corner based workstations. Some suppliers are able to supply the adjustable frame and components to be fitted to an existing desk.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
If a standard desk or workstation is not appropriate due to a person’s disability, specific seating arrangements or unique physical characteristics, consideration can be given to an adjustable height workstation. People restricted to a bed due to their disability may benefit from an over-bed adjustable workstation which attaches to the bed frame and enables keying on a laptop whilst lying down.
If a particular adjustable workstation specific to a person’s disability is required within the workplace and is not something normally supplied by the employer under their Occupational Health and Safety requirements, consideration can be given to applying for funding assistance through the Employment Assistance Fund. Please refer to the following to determine eligibility:
For more information about adjustable workstations see the links below:
References
Bad Backs Australia 2011, Adjustable Computer Desks & Workstations, Bad Backs Australia, Port Melbourne, viewed 6 September 2011, http://www.badbacks.com.au/shop/category/220/computer-desks-workstations.
Ergomotion 2010, motiondesk 2 & 3, Ergomotion PTY LTD, Melbourne, viewed 6 September 2011, http://www.ergomotion.com.au/motiondesk.htm.
Height Adjustable Desks 2011, Height Adjustable Desks, Stretch Now Group, East Kew, viewed 6 September 2011, http://www.heightadjustabledesks.com.au/.
Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. 2009, Buyers Guide—Computer workstations, Independent Living Centres Australia Inc., Sydney, viewed 6 September 2011, http://www.ilcaustralia.org/search4.asp?State=NSW&MC=64&MinC=6&Item=2974&page=2.
Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. 2010, Buyers Guide—Adjustable desks, Independent Living Centres Australia Inc., Sydney, viewed 6 September 2011, http://www.ilcaustralia.org/search4.asp?State=NSW&MC=64&MinC=6&Item=2974&page=1.
Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. 2010, Vocational Aids & Equipment: Desks & Workstations—Adjustable Height, Independent Living Centres Australia Inc., Sydney, viewed 6 September 2011, http://www.ilcaustralia.org/search3.asp?State=NSW&page=1&MC=64&MinC=6.