Okay, folks - I need help, please.

I work at a small company (~20 people - a web startup) and have found that the chairs provided are akin to torture devices. I have RSI and came from a company where we had wonderful Leap chairs, fully adjustable. I asked for a new chair and was given an Aeron out of one of the offices. However, that chair has now been taken back, and I'm stuck in the chair of pain. I have now asked for another chair, but know that it's an uphill battle for many reasons, not the least of which is the company being strapped for cash.

If anyone here has had a similar experience, and can share advice and/or resources, I'd be very grateful. Are there laws I should reference to say, "Hey, give me this chair - it's the law"? Can they actually make me produce a note from a doctor to support my request?

Thanks in advance.

-- Anonymous, July 17, 2001

Answers

I don't know anything about the law on this issue, but I'll bump this up in case someone else does.

Is the chair causing lower back pain? If nothing else, you can try some kind of lumbar support. They make special cushions for that, or you can just experiment with regular cushions. If it's a problem with the height not being adjustable and putting you at the wrong angle to your desk, I'm not sure what your options are. If the chair is too short, of course, you can add a pillow, but if it's too tall I'm not sure what you can do unless you can elevate your mouse and keyboard.

Anyone have any ideas for Gabby?

-- Anonymous, July 18, 2001

I think this was part of the stuff that was supposed to be addressed in the OSHA ergonomics regs that got shot down in March. For awhile there, a lot of companies were being proactive about complying with them, on the assumption that they'd soon become official.

As of now, I think it's all pretty much back to ground zero which, I think, means that about the best you can do is try to apply for assistance under the ADA (American Disabilities Act? I think). I don't think you can insist that your employer provide you with preventative equipment, but if you're already damaged...maybe. Check with your state's OSHA rules, and maybe look for a local group for people with RSI - they may have a better idea of what's allowable. The really bad news (if all that isn't bad enough) is that small companies are usually exempt from having to follow most current rulings, because of the difficulty they would have bearing the cost to implement.

If your employer has medical benefits, I'd suggest going to a doctor and getting your RSI documented - maybe write a prescription for a proper chair or something. It may not help legally, but it might make your argument stronger.

-- Anonymous, July 18, 2001

There are no laws to reference.

I would say you should follow Linda's suggestion and see where it takes you, but frankly, I would suggest that if you truly are in the chair of pain that you consider coughing up $90 and getting a decent chair at Costco or Office Depot. Oh, and keep your receipt handy, so you can prove you paid for it.

If that's too steep, a strategically placed cushion or pillow can help a lot. For more information, go here to Cornell's ergonomic site.

-- Anonymous, July 18, 2001

Much as I'd like to have magic words to force small employers to produce comfortable chairs, I'd suggest that you find one that works for you, and buy it. Think of it as investing in a comfortable matress -- you're going to be spending a big chunk of your life in it. You can probably write it off (I won't know that for sure until next tax season).

In addition to the office stores (Office Max, Office Club, Staples), see if you have a local Relax the Back. Their prices may be out of reach, but it'll give you a good reference point.

-- Anonymous, July 18, 2001

Today's update: I walked in and the Aeron was back at my desk. I think they might be trying to drive me crazy. It's frustrating, I think, because it's seems like such a simple thing: this chair is seriously uncomfortable, I need one that fits, so I can sit here for 8+ hours a day and bring in revenue.

Thanks everyone for the feedback. I went to the OSHA site and learned that over the past few days, Rosalind Chao (our Secretary of Something or Other) has been holding an Ergonomics conference, with, it seems, an eye to getting the squashed legislation back on track.

I was diagnosed with CTS in 1995, after spending many hours in HR filing - when a pain like I never want to feel again shot up my arm and shut me down. From what I've read, I got lucky - I went to my GP and she looked at my hands and arms and could see the symptoms. So I've learned to live with and take actions to avoid making it worse - but every few months, when I've been inattentive, I'll wake up with a major charley horse in my shoulder, unable to move without screaming. Good chairs help and discourage my admittedly crappy posture habits.

-- Anonymous, July 19, 2001