Eronomics Chair Request
Day Dreamer
5 Posts
I have an employee who claims her back hurts because she need and $800 ergonomics chair. Her chiropractor suggested it. She was not hurt on the job. She did not have this probem when she was hired 3 years ago. Is the company obligated to purchase this chair for her?
Comments
Poor ergonomics can create a variety of issues, many of which can turn into workers comp and STD claims which may cost the company more in the long run. We contacted local office furniture stores. They did ergonomic analysis of workstations for free. Of course, they are tying to sell you thier products in exchange.
You may need to do this as a defensive move because once one EE gets a new chair, they all seem to need one. With the study, you have defensible evidence regarding who needs it and who does not. Be realistic about it, often companies do not spend money in this area but need to.
You mention that the employee did not have a back condition 3 years ago...after 3 years of sitting in a lousy chair, It's not surprising she's got one now. Posture has something to do with it but its easier to have better posture in a good supportive chair.
Chiropractic visits may qualify one for intermittent FMLA visits, but no FMLA situation 'requires' accommodation. I would inspect the chair she has and if it seems reasonably sound and fit and funtional, I would tell her that the company declines the request for the chair.
I suspect you are right that once you start accommodating, both she and the rest of the workforce will begin to fantacize about what else they may milk you for.
An $800 chair ain't the answer. Having a chair described above by Don and sitting properly and having a work station properly adjusted is. I wouldn't be surprised if the chiro gets a cut on the chair.
If you deal with it that way, you have given her solutions to her problems at minimal expense.
Good luck,
Dutch2
I would not take a chiropractor's "suggestion" that you buy an $800 chair for this employee. Good chairs can be had for much less money. As one of the posters stated, most of the problem stems from the way employees sit at their desk..slumped down in the chair, legs crossed over, etc. A reasonably priced chair and good instruction on posture is the key. Office equipment sales people will be happy to help you with this issue.
I remember when Bill Clinton signed the ergonomics bill right before he left office, we had several employees all of a sudden develop back pain. When we informed them the legislation had been repealed, it miraculously went away!
After starting a new job 3 years ago I was experiencing severe low back pain. The floor in my office is so unlevel that I can't lay a pencil on my desk without it rolling off.
I mentioned this to my chiropractor & he suggested finding a way to level the floor! Out of the question! I ended up taking the seat off my chair & inserting washers under one side of the seat so when I sit at my desk I am sitting level. Thank goodness it worked.
Cherrye