Worksite International Blog

When a workers' compensation claim lands on your desk tied to a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD), the quality of the ergonomic worksite analysis (EWA) behind it can determine whether that claim resolves quickly or escalates into litigation.

Quick question: When was the last time you gave your office chairs a second thought after purchase and installation? If you're like most employers, the honest answer is "hardly ever." And that's exactly the problem.

For seated employees, chairs are the one piece of equipment used for more than eight hours a day. Yet they are often purchased cheaply, chosen randomly, assigned inconsistently, and ignored until they break, or someone complains. Zero preventive maintenance! Yet, compare this to our computer systems; we update, monitor, and invest in them routinely. The workplace can’t be productive without both! Employers treat chairs like one-and-done furniture, when in fact, they are actually a critical part of a health and wellness system.

I recently returned from another fabulous Human Factors and Ergonomics Conference in Tasmania, Australia (HFESA December 1-3, 2025). I’ve shared in the past how much I enjoy an international ergonomics perspective and endeavor to attend global ergo summits for the camaraderie, perspectives, and learnings these events offer. This one did not disappoint! I was fortunate to present my latest research on chairs as a system and the Chair Assessment System (CAS). 

What I found most interesting this year is the continued focus on psychosocial risk at work, a recognized global problem.  New methods are now available to

Many employers are concerned about how to get employees to change their unsafe work behaviors. This is demonstrated by poor postural habits, ineffective use of adjustable equipment, sedentary behaviors, and the onset of symptoms from poor work habits and practices. As ergonomists, we routinely include education and training on how to work safely using good habits in our assessments. However, it takes much more than a one-time evaluation to change employee behaviors!

When we think of life-changing habits, we often imagine huge, daunting lifestyle overhauls. However, as Charles Duhigg explains in his book The Power of Habit, real transformation typically starts with small, fundamental routines known as “keystone habits.” These pivotal behaviors are powerful; once adopted, they often trigger a cascade of positive changes throughout other parts of life and work.

Figure 1. Are your employees playing musical chairs because nothing feels quite right?

Misfit chairs are a big problem! 

In addition to your employees playing “musical chairs” with their chairs, here are a few tell-tale signs your chairs are just not the right fit for employees.

Industry organizations have developed widely accepted ergonomic guidelines for the set up of office workstations and the design of ergonomic chairs. What’s missing — and very much needed, I argue — is an objective methodology for making the decision to keep, repair or replace task chairs once they’re in the workplace.

Despite recent trends toward promoting more standing in the workplace, average sitting times now exceed 7.7-10 hours per day or longer in the workplace, not including commute time. Most employers do not yet have widespread capacity for sit-to-stand workstations. As a result, far more emphasis needs to be placed on selecting chairs and the ongoing use of an ergonomic chair.

Are You Living an Ergonomic Lifestyle?

An ergonomic lifestyle is one where you are happy, safe, and comfortable wherever and whenever you work because you have the right equipment that fits and supports you. Your workstation should be designed to fit you... in other words, human-centered or U-centric!

This year, we celebrate Worksite International’s 32nd anniversary! This blog reflects our achievements over three decades of work in the ergonomics marketplace.

I love combining international travel with international conference participation. This article is a synopsis of lessons learned from several keynotes and presentations at the HFESA Ergonomics conference I attended and delivered (with great excitement) in Brisbane, AU on November 25-27, 2024.

As the holiday season draws near, it's essential to recognize the potential stress and physical strain it may bring. This can lead to discomfort in the back and body. Therefore, it's crucial to prioritize your well-being. Share these holiday safety tips with loved ones and colleagues. By taking care of yourself, you can start the new year with a healthy and happy back.

Employees who feel well physically and emotionally perform at higher levels, so it's important to support their wellness throughout the year.