Glossary
Ergonomics (A–Z)
Adjustable Chair
A chair with customisable height, seat depth, armrests, and lumbar support to accommodate different body types and preferences.
AirFlo Seat
A built in seat cushion, featuring inflatable Air-Care technology designed to improve pressure distribution, enhance comfort, and promote dynamic sitting during prolonged periods of seated work.
Anti-Fatigue Mat
A cushioned mat placed on the floor to reduce discomfort and fatigue when standing for long periods.
Acoustic
Materials or designs intended to reduce or manage sound, improving the acoustic environment in a workspace.
Assistive Technology
Devices or software designed to support individuals with disabilities, enabling them to perform tasks more easily and safely.
Blue Light
High-energy visible light emitted from digital screens and artificial lighting that may contribute to eye strain, fatigue, and disrupted sleep patterns with prolonged exposure.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
A common repetitive strain injury caused by pressure on the median nerve in the wrist, resulting in numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand and fingers.
Circular Design
A design approach focused on sustainability, where products are created to be reused, recycled, or repurposed, minimizing waste and environmental impact throughout their lifecycle.
Cleanroom chair: Cleanroom chairs are designed and constructed from materials that do not produce particle contamination and are resistant to chemicals and disinfectant for cleaning purposes.
Coccyx Cut-Out
A feature in some chair seats where the tailbone area is recessed to reduce pressure and improve comfort, especially for long periods of sitting.
Document Holder
A stand or device that holds documents or reference materials at eye level to reduce neck strain while reading or typing.
DSE (Display Screen Equipment)
Any device with a screen used for work purposes, including computers, laptops, tablets, and associated equipment.
Ergonomics
The study of designing equipment, devices, and workspaces that fit the human body's natural movements and capabilities, promoting comfort, safety, and efficiency.
Ergonomic Equipment
Tools, devices, and furniture designed to improve ergonomics and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the workplace.
Ergonomic Chair Mat
A floor mat designed for use with office chairs that protects flooring and reduces rolling resistance.
Ergonomic Keyboard
A keyboard designed with features such as split layout, negative tilt, and wrist support to reduce strain on wrists and forearms, compact size or white keys.
Ergonomic Mouse
A computer mouse designed to reduce wrist and hand strain by promoting a more natural hand position.
ESD chair: Electrostatic Dissipative - or ESD chairs divert static electricity through the back, seat and gas lift, down to the floor where is dissipates safely.
Footrest
A device placed under a desk to support the feet and promote proper posture, especially when sitting for long periods.
Headrest
A support attached to the top of a chair to help maintain proper head and neck alignment.
HSE (Health and Safety Executive)
The UK government agency responsible for regulating and enforcing workplace health, safety, and welfare standards.
Hybrid Working
A flexible working arrangement where employees split their time between working remotely (such as from home) and working from a central workplace or office environment, requiring adaptable ergonomic setups across multiple locations.
Laptop Stand
A raised platform that elevates a laptop screen to eye level, helping reduce neck and shoulder strain during prolonged use.
Lumbar Support
A feature in chairs or backrests that supports the lower back and helps maintain the spine’s natural curve.
Mesh
A breathable material used in chair backs or seating surfaces to improve airflow and comfort.
Monitor Arm
A device that holds a computer monitor and allows adjustable height, tilt, and swivel for correct screen positioning.
MSDs (Musculoskeletal Disorders)
A range of conditions affecting muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints, often caused or aggravated by poor posture or repetitive tasks.
Neutral Posture
A comfortable, balanced body position that minimises stress on muscles and joints while performing tasks.
Neck Support
Ergonomic features or accessories that help maintain proper alignment of the cervical spine, reducing neck strain.
PET Felt
A recycled polyester material used in office panels and acoustic screens for sound absorption and aesthetic purposes.
Posture
The alignment and positioning of the body while sitting, standing, or performing tasks, critical to reducing strain and injury.
Primary, Secondary, Reference Zones (Working Zones)
Ergonomic zones used to organise a desk:
- Primary Zone: Frequently used items within easy reach
- Secondary Zone: Occasionally used items
- Reference Zone: Items used less often or for storage
Return-to-Work
The process of supporting an employee’s safe transition back to work following illness, injury, or absence, often involving workplace adjustments or occupational health support.
RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury)
An injury caused by repetitive movements or prolonged overuse of muscles and tendons, commonly affecting the wrists, hands, and arms.
Sit-Stand Desk
A height-adjustable desk that allows users to alternate between sitting and standing while working.
Sensory Overload
A condition in which an individual is overwhelmed by excessive sensory input, including visual, auditory, or tactile stimuli, often requiring adaptive solutions.
Soft Wheel Castors
Chair wheels designed for hard floors to reduce noise and prevent floor damage, some traction on the wheel of the castor so that it rolls smoothly.
Standard Castors
Basic chair wheels suitable for standard carpeted floors.
Synchronised Mechanism
A chair feature where the seat and backrest tilt in coordination to support natural body movements.
Stop/Brake Loaded Castors
Castors that lock when weight is applied, providing stability when seated.
Stop/Brake Unloaded Castors
Castors that lock when no weight is applied, allowing the chair to stay stationary when unoccupied.
Task Lighting
Adjustable desk lighting designed to provide appropriate illumination for reading and screen work while reducing eye strain.
Tilt Mechanism
A feature in ergonomic chairs that allows the seat and backrest to recline or tilt for improved comfort and support.
Thoracic Support
A feature in chairs that provides support to the upper and middle back, helping maintain the spine’s natural curve.
Wellbeing
The overall state of an individual’s physical, mental, and emotional health, often supported in the workplace through ergonomic solutions, healthy practices, and a positive work environment.
Wrist Rest
A padded support placed in front of a keyboard or mouse to help maintain neutral wrist positioning during use.