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: Fall Prevention Provisions

The following are offered:

a. A call light that is readily accessible from the patient bed.

b. Low beds that can be elevated for transfer and activities of daily living.

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

Employee furnishings are adjustable in the following ways:

a.¹⁷⁸ Workstation chair height levels are adjustable within a range of 0.38 m [15 inches] to 0.5 m [19.9 inches].

b.¹⁷⁸ Workstation seat depth is adjustable within a range between 0.41 m [16 inches] to 0.53 m [21 inches].

Part 4: Standing Support

Workstations in which employees are required to stand for extended periods of time include the following amenities:

a.¹²⁸ At least 10 cm [4 inches] of recessed toe space at the base of the workstation to allow decreased reaching requirements for employees.

b.¹²⁸ A foot rest to allow employees to alternate resting feet.

c.¹²⁸ Anti-fatigue mats or cushions.

Part 9: 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	Tenant Improvement	New Construction
Part 1: Fall Prevention Provisions	-	-	-
Part 2: Desk Height Flexibility	-	P	P
Part 3: Seat Flexibility	-	P	P
Part 4: Standing Support	-	-	-
Part 9: Spectator Seating	-	-	-

	Commercial Kitchen	Schools	Multifamily Residential	Restaurant	Retail
Part 1: Fall Prevention Provisions	-	-	-	-	-
Part 2: Desk Height Flexibility	-	-	-	-	-
Part 3: Seat Flexibility	-	P	-	-	-
Part 4: Standing Support	P	P	-	P	P
Part 9: Spectator Seating	-	-	-	-	-

Verification Methods Matrix

	Letters of Assurance	On-Site Checks
PART 2 (Design) Desk Height Flexibility		Auditor Inspection
PART 3 (Design) Seat Flexibility		Auditor Inspection
PART 4 (Design) Standing Support	Architect	Spot Check

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.

**128**

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Guidelines for Retail Grocery Stores: Ergonomics for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Labor; 2004: 15-17.
73.4.a	The OSHA Retail Guidelines say to "Provide adequate toe space (at least 4 inches) at the bottom of the workstation. Toe space allows cashiers to move closer to the checkstand, decreasing reaching requirements."
73.4.b	The OSHA Guidelines state that "Placing a foot on a footrest or other support will promote comfort."
73.4.c	The OSHA Guidelines state that "Good quality anti-fatigue mats reduce back and leg fatigue."

**178**

**O'Neill M, Knoll, Inc. Office Ergonomics Standards: A Layperson's Guide. https://www.knoll.com/knollnewsdetail/office-ergonomic-standards. Published 2011. Accessed May 5, 2015.**
73.3.b	HFES standards accommodate at least 90% of the North American workforce. The BIFMA G1 provides recommendations for sizing furniture to accommodate the 5th percentile female to the 95th percentile male of the North American population.
73.3.a	HFES standards accommodate at least 90% of the North American workforce. The BIFMA G1 provides recommendations for sizing furniture to accommodate the 5th percentile female to the 95th percentile male of the North American population.

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

73. Ergonomics: visual and physical