Ergonomics: visual and physical

Overuse of the same muscles and ligaments over time can cause discomfort and strain the body, especially in occupational environments that require repetitive tasks. Under such conditions, the effects of even slight visual or physical discomfort are compounded.

This feature ensures that occupants are free to adopt a variety of comfortable sitting and standing positions.

Part 1: Visual Ergonomics

To help alleviate eye and neck strain, the following requirement is met:

a) All computer screens are adjustable in terms of height and distance from the user.

Part 2: Desk Height Flexibility

At least 30% of workstations have the ability to alternate between sitting and standing positions through one of the following:

a) Adjustable height standing desk.

b) Desk-top height adjustment stands.

c) Pairs of fixed-height desks of standing and seated heights (which need not be located adjacent to each other).

Part 3: Seat Flexibility

Furnishings are adjustable in the following ways:

a) Workstation chair height levels are adjustable within a range of 0.38 m [15 inches] to 0.5 m [19.9 inches].

b) Workstation seat depth is adjustable within a range between 0.41 m [16 inches] to 0.53 m [21 inches].

Part 4: Spectator Seating

The following requirements must be met:

a) 50% of all seats have supporting backs and arms.

b) Seat dimensions comply with minimum 500 mm (19.7 in) width and 700 mm (27.6 inches) depth.

c) To allow for easy passage for spectators, all seats are of the tip-up variety.

d) A clear walkway of 400 mm (17.7 inches) is provided, measured from the furthest protruding point of the seat.

e) A maximum of 28 seats per row is allowed between aisle breaks.

Skeletal

Muscular

	Core & Shell	New Construction	WELL Interiors
Part 1: Visual Ergonomics	-	P	P
Part 2: Desk Height Flexibility	-	P	P
Part 3: Seat Flexibility	-	P	P
Part 4: Spectator Seating	-	-	-

	Commercial Kitchen	Education	Multifamily Residential	Retail
Part 1: Visual Ergonomics	-	O	-	-
Part 2: Desk Height Flexibility	-	O	-	-
Part 3: Seat Flexibility	-	O	-	-
Part 4: Spectator Seating	-	-	-	-

Verification Methods Matrix

	Letters of Assurance	Annotated Documents	On-Site Checks
PART 1 (Design) Visual Ergonomics			Auditor Inspection
PART 2 (Design) Desk Height Flexibility			Auditor Inspection
PART 3 (Design) Seat Flexibility			Auditor Inspection

Show Standard Citations

83

**Business + Institution Furniture Manufacturers Association. BIFMA Ergonomics Guideline Ultimate Test for Fit. Grand Rapids: Business + Institution Furniture Manufacturers Association; 2013: 3.**
73.1.a	BIFMA's Ergonomics Guideline for Furniture Used in Office Work Spaces Designed for Computer Use recommends monitors be positioned at heights that permit seated or standing users to view the entire monitor display quickly and with little effort.
73.3.a	BIFMA's Ergonomics Guideline recommends workstation chair height level that allows users to sit comfortably with their feet on the floor or footrest with a torso-to-thigh angle not less than 90 degrees.
73.3.b	BIFMA's Ergonomics Guideline recommends workstation seat depths allow users to sit comfortably without undue pressure behind the knees and with their back properly supported by the backrest.

This is a legacy version of the WELL Building Standard. Please check the latest version here.

73. Ergonomics: visual and physical