IntroductionElectric height adjustable sit/stand desks are used throughout the University. Where staff members are provided with a sit stand workstation it is important to consider the following:

Sitting postures Spine neutral (s-shaped) and lower back well supported by back rest Ears in vertical alignment with shoulders Shoulders relaxed and symmetrical Desk height approximately navel height – ensure elbows are at or just above desk level, when upper arms are relaxed and

hanging near the sides of the body Hips slightly higher than knees Clearance between front edge of chair seat and back of knee should be 1 to 3 fingers – when sitting right back into the

chair with the lower back connecting the back rest Clearance under the desk should allow the chair to swivel fully without legs meeting any item/structure Feet flat on the floor. Foot rests should not be needed given the desk height adjustability

Standing postures Spine neutral (s-shaped) Ears in vertical alignment with shoulders Shoulders are relaxed and symmetrical Desk height approximately navel height – ensure elbows are at or just above desk level, when upper arms are relaxed and

hanging near the sides of the body Feet positioned shoulder width apart with weight distributed evenly over both feet Knees slightly bent to enable more even distribution of weight over feet (this will improve the spinal posture

safety.unimelb.edu.au SAFETY BULLETIN – SIT STAND WORKSTATION 1 of 1

Date: March 2018 Version: 1.0 Authorised by: Manager, Health & Safety, Operations Next Review: March 2023 © The University of Melbourne – Uncontrolled when printed.

Health & Safety - Safety Bulletin 2018/03

Safety BulletinSit Stand Workstation

OPTIMAL POSTURAL ROTATIONS – Every 30 minutes 20 minutes sitting, 8 minutes standing 2 minutes moving. This is based on some key physiological measures and can be adjusted to suit individual needs. The most important thing to remember is to change your posture and to move often.

CAUTIONAlways remember to remove equipment or items from under your desk prior to lowering it.This includes: Your chair Umbrellas Items on top of your pedestal such as folders

Always check items (and hands) are clear of the periphery/ edges of the desk when raising /lowering to avoid compression or entrapment.